Food Insecurities Facts
1 in 7 Ohio adults and 1 in 5 Ohio children face hunger
What is food insecurity?
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Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA. It's when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. It's a big problem in the United States, where 48 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually. However, many more people, including millions who do not meet the definition of food insecure—turn to the charitable food sector for support. Learn more about how Feeding America measures hunger in America.
What are the causes food insecurity?
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Income-related factors
People with lower incomes or unstable incomes are more likely to experience food insecurity. This includes people working low-wage jobs, facing unemployment or having a disability. People may face income instability because of job loss, unreliable work, financial emergencies or systemic barriers in building wealth.
High cost of living
Neighbors experiencing food insecurity tell us that the high cost of food and other essentials is one of the top reasons why it’s increasingly difficult to afford and access the food they need to thrive. The cost of essentials like food, housing, health care, utilities and child and dependent care can stretch already tight budgets, making it harder to get by.
Community factors
Community environments play a critical role in food security. Limited or no access to transportation and well-resourced schools, or living in unsafe neighborhoods, can make it harder to access food or move up economically, particularly for low-income families and children.
Health-related factors
The cost of managing chronic health conditions can take money away from food and other essentials. Limited access to health care, particularly in low-income and rural areas, can make food insecurity worse. When people are unable to afford nutritious food, it increases the risk of nutrition-related illnesses, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Information on this page came from the website "What is Food Insecurity? | Feeding America"