Food insecurity can happen to anyone
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Regardless of age, education, employment status or address, hunger can impact you or those around you. Food insecurity — or the limited availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, and the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways — isn't only found in certain ZIP codes and it certainly doesn't abide by seasons. It's a 365-day-a-year issue, and one that affects kids and adults alike.
According to Feeding America 1 in 8 Iowans struggles with hunger and 1 in 6 kids may not have enough food at home. People facing hunger in Iowa are estimated to report needing $248,383,000 more per year to meet their food needs. In South Dakota, it's a very similar story. 1 in 8 people and 1 in 5 children struggle with hunger. This group is estimated to report needing $75,665,000 more per year to meet their food needs.
Food insecurity could be in your workplace
Your employees may even be food insecure. Have you heard of ALICE? It stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.This person earns above the federal poverty level, but not enough to afford a bare-minimum household budget that accounts for housing, child care, food, transportation and health care. And, they are forced to make tough decisions when it comes time to decide which one takes priority.
ALICE households tend to move in and out of need throughout the year — one unexpected car repair or hospital bill can set them back. Based on the people served by the Food Bank of Iowa, 64 percent have to decide between paying for food or paying for medical care or medicine. In South Dakota, 68 percent of those served by Feeding South Dakota must choose between purchasing food or paying their utilities.
Hard decisions like these can lead to food insecurity and even hunger, which may negatively impact:
- Self-actualization, or a person's morality, creativity, spontaneity, acceptance, experience purpose, meaning and inner potential.
- Self-esteem, or a person's confidence, achievement, respect of others and the need to be a unique individual.
- Love and belonging, or a person's desire for friendship, family, intimacy and a sense of connection.
- Safety and security, or a person's health, employment, property, family and social stability.
- Physiological needs, which include breathing, food, water, shelter, clothing and sleep.
Food-insecure adults may even be at an increased risk for negative health conditions and chronic disease, like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Children impacted by food insecurity also run an increased risk for obesity, poor lifelong eating habits and developmental problems.
What can you do to help?
Living a healthy and productive lifestyle starts with proper nutrition. Check out five ways you and your employees can make a big difference for food-insecure adults and children at your worksite and within your community.
1.
Host a drive for your local food pantry
Consider what your community needs are and try hosting a drive outside of the peak holiday season. Summer, especially for those with school-age children, can be particularly trying for food-insecure families. Donating canned and self-stable grocery items are always welcome. But consider personal care items, like toilet paper, toothpaste and soap, or even homegrown garden produce (depending on the pantry). Check out this online directory of food banks, soup kitchens, and nonprofit organizations committed to fighting hunger near you.
2.
Create a Little Free Pantry at your worksite
A Little Free Pantry can serve as a "take what you need, leave what you can" location for food items and other household necessities. Whether an employee is stocking or taking stock, a pantry like this can help create a sense of community within your workforce. You can find DIY instructions to build a pantry here.
3.
Carve out space for a workplace garden
Have a small patch of land that could become host to a Giving Garden? Or do you have a thriving community garden program in your area? By encouraging your employees to volunteer their time, you can increase employee engagement and improve morale, encourage team building and inter-department connections, and increase access to fresh, local produce for employees and community members in need.
4.
Donate money to Feeding America®
Every dollar counts, providing at least 10 meals to families when donated to Feeding America. Through this organization, you and your employees are helping a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs.
5.
Volunteer as a team
It doesn't take a huge commitment to make a big impact, and volunteering as a team can make your employees feel good while getting a lot accomplished for your community. At a food pantry, your team can help sort donations, pack boxes, stock the pantry, and even help with special events.
More helpful resources
- Food Bank of Iowa provides food to Iowans in need and organizations like food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters with a goal to end hunger.
- Feeding South Dakota aims to eliminate hunger in South Dakota.
- For more county-by-county insights, check out Iowa's ALICE data, which highlights food insecurity throughout the country.
- Feeding America is a hunger relief organization with a nationwide network of food banks, including Food Bank of Iowa.
- NoKidHungry.org wants to end child hunger in America and ensure that all children get the healthy food they need every day to thrive.