Poverty is a major problem that affects 11.8% of the US population, or about 38.1 million people as of 2018. 11.1% of Americans, or 94% of those classified as in poverty, also suffer from food insecurity.
What is Food Insecurity?
In 2006, the USDA stopped using the term food insecurity in favor of the term ranges “low food security” and “very low food security”. Low food security is defined as “reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake,” while very low food security is defined as “Reports or multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.” In other words, food insecurity is not simply low amounts of food, but also any malnourishment at all. Food insecurity stems from the inability to obtain good nutrition, so the commonality of food deserts, or areas where nutritious food is unobtainable, in poverty-stricken communities is likely a major contributing factor.
What Are Some Ways to Fix This?
One great way to help people suffering from poverty and malnutrition is to help out in a oof pantry or with a food drive.You can also donate to food banks such as https://www.feedingamerica.org, which creates projects like Collaborating for Clients (C4C), an initiative to target complex community problems and collective impact.
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