Food Insecurity in the US

Food Insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. In 2024 studies demonstrated that food insecurity impacts over 14% American households. It is both a paradox and a tragedy that food insecurity should exist in the wealthiest nation on earth. Even more concerning is that recent federal policies are likely to make this situation worse.

Recent federal policies struck a significant blow to the already tenuous federal backstop against food insecurity by cutting the budgets for several food assistance programs including SNAP, WIC, and school lunch programs.  SNAP suffered a 20% cut amounting to $187billion loss over 10 years. WIC was hit with a $200 million reduction and the school lunch program. The Free School Lunch For All program was terminated and replaced by a means tested program in which a family of four must earn less than $36,000 to qualify. In addition, the loss of Medicaid insurance for many families has added more healthcare costs to their budget further limiting their ability to purchase healthy food.

There is plenty of real-world evidence of the impacts of these cuts in the setting of continually rising food prices. Food pantries and free food programs are experiencing a sharp increase in demand. The food distribution truck in our small city of Crisfield had a line of people in need of the basic nutritional support going around the corner. One local church food pantry has added shelves, refrigerators and shopping carts and more days of access to meet the demand. Many local businesses, including our practice, are collecting nonperishable food items to supply the pantries.

Somerset Primary Care is doing what we can to collect nonperishable food items to supply the pantries. In addition our Registered Dietician, Ann Lebarron, will be doing guided grocery store tours to provide education on efficient and healthy food shopping.

Contact Us:
Phone: 667-868-4027
Address: 382 West Main Street, Crisfield, Md 21817

Email: info@somerset-health.com
Website: Somerset-Health.com