As food costs rise, it is more important now than ever that our neighbors are equipped with the tools and programs needed to access food for their families. Nutritious food is a necessity, ensuring that healthy neighbors can work, learn, play and engage in our communities.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 in 7 households in the U.S. faces low to very low food security. In Kentucky, the number of households facing food insecurity is higher than the national average, and in Indiana and Ohio it is nearly equal to the national average.
Federally funded programs such as FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) play a vital role in addressing hunger in our communities. Below are some highlights that show the impact of these programs.
- Since EFSP began in 1983, it has invested over $6.6 billion in more than 14,000 local providers in over 2,500 counties and cities to address hunger and homelessness (EFSP | United Way Worldwide).
- Participating in SNAP for six months was associated with a decrease in food insecurity of 5 to 10 percentage points (USDA).
- Studies of the NSLP and the Child and Adult Care Food Program found that the programs were associated with significantly lower rates of food insecurity for households with children (USDA).
Supporting these programs is important to ensure thriving communities. Will you take a moment to tell your elected officials these programs are important to you and your neighbors? It takes only a few seconds.
Thank you for lending your voice so that all members of our community have the opportunity to thrive.
