-
Day 9: Reducing Food Insecurity
Today we will be learning about the resources and programs that are available to reduce food insecurity and how you as an individual can help your community with food insecurity.
There are several state and federal programs aimed at helping families experiencing food insecurity. There is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program aimed at helping families fill in gaps when it comes to putting food on the table. You can learn more about the program and eligibility here.
The WIC program (Women, Infants & Children) is another program that focuses on providing nutrition to some of the most vulnerable in our communities- pregnant women and children under 5. This program works to ensure that a woman has access to adequate nutrition during her pregnancy and nursing as well as ensuring a developing child has nutrition needed to grow healthy and strong. Learn more about WIC in Ohio.
Many people in Northeast Ohio are eligible and take advantage of these programs but what if you live in a food desert and there are not many stores nearby with fresh produce and healthy options? Food delivery services like InstaCart have become a very helpful option for individuals who might have mobility issues, live far from a store, and depend on public transportation or the many others who may have difficulty getting to a grocery store. Listen to this NPR story to learn more about how grocery delivery can help and how using this service is not without its problems.
A local resource to aid with food insecurity are Food Banks. These are local organizations that work to collect donations of food items- produce and shelf stable items- and distribute them to those in the community who need them. Our local food bank is always here to help and they are always looking for help- either in the form of money, food donations or the donation of time. Their website contains information both on how to get help or give help.
One final way that an individual can help their community is by being a good neighbor. Check on those around you, offer to get groceries for an elderly neighbor or grandparent or take them to the store. Being kind and checking in on those who are most vulnerable can go a long way in making a difference in our community. Check out this list for more ideas on how to help in your community.
After you engage with the challenge materials on food insecurity, share with us how we can use tech apps to reduce food insecurity in our community? You can share your responses with us @LWScienceHealth on Instagram.
Want to dive deeper into the material? Links to all materials can be found at tinyurl.com/LWSHChallenge.
