Photo taken at FLIA’s Summer 2022 Retreat in Harlem, NY.
This Summer, my fellowship role with Future Leaders in Action and Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa (BGCCI) is expanding BGCCI's Feeding the Future Programs. This includes programs like Cooking Club, that instructs kids and teens on how to make healthy meals and snacks; our food pantries, that are open to kids and club families; and distributing weekend meal bags. These programs are essential to keeping our Club kids set up for success – when kids are fed, they can reach their full potential. These programs are so important because when school is out for the summer, many school meal programs that parents rely on aren’t available or are more limited.
As someone who is passionate about alleviating food insecurity, one of the things overlooked in the conversation is the power of community empowerment and engagement. When it comes to increasing food accessibility and reducing hunger, strengthening partnerships and increasing programs from local schools and organizations can be the most accessible and best ways to reach families. Local initiatives can also be taken advantage of to inform and create awareness around what food insecurity is and isn't, and help fight the stigma surrounding it.
Food insecurity, while often connected to poverty, can come in many forms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as having limited, or uncertain access to adequate food. It’s important to recognize that food insecurity doesn’t always go hand-in-hand with hunger; rather food insecurity is the lack of availability or access to nutritious and quality food choices. This lack of access can be due to financial insecurity or location. So this is a really important distinction to create an awareness of, because many people think that being food insecure just means going hungry. When in actuality, food insecurity can be the result of factors outside of people’s control. For example, a food desert is an area where people have limited access to a variety of healthy foods. This may be due to living in a rural area, having limited income, or just living far away from places that offer healthy and affordable food options.
Because food insecurity exists on a spectrum, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified food insecurity nationwide, especially among children and families. In 2020, federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were strengthened in many states, to offer assistance to people facing hardships as a result of the pandemic. However, this extra assistance was only temporary, and in April 2022, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits returned to normal levels in Iowa.
“When it comes to increasing food accessibility and reducing hunger, strengthening partnerships and increasing programs from local schools and organizations can be the most accessible and best ways to reach families.”
Although there are a lot of resources at a state level, there are still many food banks that are not accessible to everyone. State programs in Iowa include non-profits and the implementation of federal programs at a state level. The Food Bank of Iowa is also in partnership with Feeding America. Iowa’s SNAP Program eligibility requirements include: being a resident of Iowa, having a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or under $3,001 if you share your household with a person over the age of 60, or a person with a disability. You must meet these guidelines, and also be a citizen or legal immigrant. Meaning, if you don’t have legal documentation, even if you are a permanent resident, you don’t qualify for the SNAP program. The SNAP program also requires a lengthy application process, submitting up to 10 documents to prove that you qualify.
A food pantry at one of the seven Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa that summer fellow, Kathlyn, worked on putting together.
Despite having federal food assistance programs, currently 1 in 8 children in Iowa are hungry, or food insecure, and 1 in 11 people are food insecure in Iowa. In Central Iowa, 20% of Central Iowans are food insecure, affecting nearly 28,000 people. This is where local community initiatives step in, like mutual aid. Mutual aid also helps fight the stereotype of receiving charity, when it’s neighbors that are helping each other. For instance, a community fridge takes on a mutual aid approach by operating on the basis of giving a little to get back a little when you need it –, when you have extra food you can donate and if you need food you can take some. I think one of the biggest challenges of local organizations, for instance food pantries, is that if it's a local resource, people will know that you are hungry or that you need food. Community initiatives like community fridges and free pantries are really effective in fighting this problem, because they are usually 24/7 resources that are not monitored at all times. People can discreetly get food from these resources without worrying that people from their community will judge them. In addition, creating more awareness about these resources can help create awareness in the community that problems of food insecurity exist, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Food insecurity is important to me because chances are highly likely that you know someone is currently food insecure. Community building, or the practice of making meaningful connections and relationships with our neighbors, is something that many people also take for granted. Creating trust and relationships within the community can help those who are struggling feel more comfortable asking for help, or get them assistance without them even asking for it. So, next time you think of food insecurity, think of your neighborhood, your friends, and family. Ask yourself what food resources, if any, exist in your community and get involved. Implement a free pantry in your front yard, ask questions, like if your local school has a food pantry, or find out where you can donate unwanted food. These are all ways that we can make a difference locally, and help our community, friends, family, and neighbors.