Facts About Hunger In The Usa

Contrary to what many people think, hunger is also a big issue in the world’s most developed nations, especially the United States. It is a sad phenomenon that’s driven not so much by the lack of food as the persistence of poverty.

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The term for this is “food insecurity,” which refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for all the members of the household.It is prevalent in all the US states, with more and more people relying on food banks and pantries. In 2013 alone, a total of 17.5 million households were categorized as food insecure.

Today, 49 million Americans struggle to put food on the table. One of six Americans are facing hunger, with more than one in every five children at risk of going hungry. It’s regrettable that every year, 40% (about $165-billion worth) of food in the country gets thrown out, enough to feed 25 million Americans.

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We must remember that hunger is a condition caused by various complex social and economic factors that leave people without access to sustainable livelihoods. Poverty is its root cause, and is often indicated by marginal income and limited access to healthcare, education, clothing, and shelter. In fact, five of the eight lowest-paying jobs in the USA are in the food system. We must find a way to alleviate hunger, beginning with small gestures and a mindset to effect change.

Randy Benderson is the President of Benderson Development, one of the largest and most diverse real estate developers in the U.S. Even outside the corporate world, the Benderson legacy aims to impact society with philanthropic efforts that will change the lives of thousands. For more on Randy’s work and advocacies, visit this website.

Addressing Nutrition Programs for Children

One of the most crucial situations prompted by lack of access to healthy and nutritious food is child hunger and malnutrition. This is worrisome because children are supposed to get the right nutrients for their growing bodies. They also should be enjoying life, not thinking about where the next meal would come from and when.

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Federal and state programs support some of the necessary measures in various capacities (financial, operational, etc.). Rural communities have also been active in increasing additional projects and initiatives like local cooperatives, farmers markets, and others that strengthen grassroots participation and dynamics. Food banks are increasingly involved in ways beyond storage and distribution.

USDA’s various policies that respond to these issues include financial assistance to state operations of the School Breakfast Program, nonprofit implementations of the National School Lunch Program, and afterschool programs that make sure children eat properly even if they are not in school. They are also provided with worthwhile activities in a safe environment while their parents are at work.

Farm-to-school endeavors are interesting ways of integrating food production education to locals in feeding programs. Farmers can also sell their produce directly to public schools. More community-related collaborations can help ease child hunger. Cooperatives and local meal and agricultural services platforms are beneficial undertakings.

Food banks, in the past years, have been an active partner in alleviating some of the most pressing effects of child hunger. Nutrition education and research have proven to be as necessary in dealing with these matters. Partner institutions and donations from charitable individuals and companies have given them the boost to continue doing their good work.

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Randy Benderson is the President of Benderson Development, a venture his father, Nathan Benderson, established in New York over 60 years ago. Whether in business or philanthropy, Randy is passionate about pursuing all the opportunities before him. To learn more about Randy, his work, and advocacies, click here.