Food Insecurity

“Food insecurity” is a term we use a lot at the Food Bank of East Alabama, but what does it actually mean? The definition is surprisingly simple: food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Impacts

Without adequate nutrition, we can’t function at our best. For adults, that can mean that their health suffers (food insecure Americans are more likely to suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure) or they might struggle to perform at work. For children, that can mean growth, development, and behavioral issues that can last for their entire life. No matter the severity, food insecurity is a tough thing to live with.

How We Fight

Providing adequate nutrition for those struggling with food insecurity isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a challenge that requires three good meals a day for every person. To provide these meals, we work with a vast network of over 220 partner agencies (food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior and youth programs and others) to distribute nearly 500,000 pounds of food per month. But that’s not enough; to fully meet the need within our service area, we must double our distribution. With your help, we can.

Learn More About Food Insecurity

Check out these valuable resources to learn more about food insecurity and its impacts on Alabamians and other Americans.

No one can thrive on an empty stomach.