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Food Insecurity

Davia Walsh

Professor Pang

English 102

18 April 2024

Despite America’s status as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the persistent crisis of hunger remains a devastating reality haunting many Pierce County citizens. Food insecurity isn’t merely a lack of food, but rather a lack of accessibility and affordability for many. Poverty and unemployment, lack of affordable housing, chronic health conditions, racism and discrimination all play a role in the effects of food insecurity, we’re seeing an overwhelming number of individuals between the ages of 18-24, low-income families, and college students expressing their inability to have a nutritious diet among the other hardships they experience. With the undeniable crisis of accessing food and the societal limitations our community members are experiencing on a foundational level we find Pierce County in an unfortunate predicament.

Food is a fundamental necessity for our existence, without it the survival of our species would be in danger and clearly, many are in danger. Food insecurity impacts our society more profoundly than commonly acknowledged. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. In today’s world the concept of anyone experiencing hunger is simply unacceptable, hunger impacts millions of people worldwide and the repercussions are widespread particularly with our population of young people and students. However, hunger isn’t the only adversary we’re confronting. We’re overwhelmingly faced with socioeconomic struggles, the relentless grip of the covid-19 pandemic, escalating global warming, and widespread conflict that cast a shadow over our world.

These interconnected challenges not only exacerbate food insecurity but also threaten our society, demanding urgent attention and intensive action on national and global scales. With the help of many non-profits like Feeding America, Northwest Harvest, Nourish Pierce County, and governmental assistance programs like SNAP benefits, we can create an environment of thriving verses surviving. These programs aim to confront food insecurity head-on, by fostering a more sustainable society, seeking innovative solutions, and enacting federal policies leaving a lasting impact whilst building a future where food security is assured for all and where change is actively pursued.

Nourish Pierce County organization’s program focuses on promoting nutritious eating habits and empowering clients to prepare healthy meals, nourish supports the people of the community by building a more stable future by providing guidance on housing, healthcare, financial assistance, and community resources. Through these efforts residents of Pierce County not only receive immediate food assistance but also gain opportunities for long-term improvement and self-sufficiency.

Northwest harvest is a nonprofit program that supports statewide networks of over 400 food banks serving communities in Washington state to end hunger. Northwest harvests mission statement is “Leading the fight for hungry people statewide to have access to nutritious food while respecting their dignity and promoting good health” (Northwest Harvest, 2024) Many gains have been made with lowering the number of hungry people in need with the support of Northwest Harvest and the year-round efforts that are consciously made to keep Pierce County citizens fed and nourished. A large part of their legislative agenda is to advocate for universal free lunches for children and support families year-round.

The supplemental nutrition assistance program, otherwise known as (SNAP) stands as a cornerstone in the endeavor of alleviating hunger in our citizens. As the largest assistance program in the United States SNAP plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity and providing essential support to millions facing economic hardship. SNAP has been proven to have significant positive impacts on public health, economic stability, and social well-being. Research shows that participation in SNAP reduces food insecurity, improves dietary quality, lowers the risk of chronic illness and disease such as obesity and diabetes. SNAP plays an essential role in addressing hunger and promoting food security among the vulnerable population in Washington State and plays a vital role in providing a lifeline for those in need and supporting sustainable practices and local markets.

Cited Sources:

Nourish Pierce County. "Nourish Pierce County." Nourish Pierce County, https://nourishpc.org/.Accessed 21 April 2024.

Northwest Harvest. "Northwest Harvest." Northwest Harvest, https://www.northwestharvest.org/.Accessed 21 April 2024.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)." U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program. Accessed 21 April 2024.