By Blake Jackson
Food insecurity is on the rise in Kentuckiana, with Dare to Care Food Bank reporting a significant increase in demand for their services. A new study by Feeding America reveals a troubling trend - nearly 13% of the population, or over 167,000 people, struggled to afford food in 2022. This marks a concerning 33.2% jump compared to the previous year.
The report sheds light on the impact of hunger on vulnerable populations. Children are particularly affected, with an estimated 55,430 facing food insecurity. Racial disparities are also evident, with Black and Hispanic communities experiencing higher rates of hunger compared to white residents.
Dare to Care Food Bank blames the rise in food insecurity on a combination of factors. The expiration of pandemic-era benefits, coupled with rising food and housing costs, is forcing many residents into impossible choices. Federal support programs are offering less assistance despite the growing need.
"This is the worst hunger crisis we've seen since the Great Recession," said Vincent James."The data shows our community needs our help more than ever."
Feeding America defines food insecurity as the inability to consistently access enough affordable, nutritious food. Their Map the Meal Gap study provides local data on hunger, confirming a nationwide trend of increased food insecurity.
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Categories: Kentucky, Business