Dig Local Network- June 2022 Food Insecurity PresentationDig Local Network
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Beaches Green Market (BGM)
Dig Local Network (DLN) believes that community gardens, farmers' markets, and nutrition education are
sustainable routes to a future where everyone can eat better. We think access to good nutritious food is a
human right regardless of a person's location or economic level.
• Farmers markets like the BGM have become important tools for reducing food insecurity.
• We work with organizations like Feeding NE Florida, BEAM & other local community leaders in connecting
people to local, healthy and nutritious foods.
• Farmers Markets Show Resilience in Times of Supply Chain Issues.
• Our resilience is born out of the basic simplicity of facilitating direct transactions between farmers and
shoppers.
• Farmers markets are proven to positively impact the health and diet of their community, especially in areas
that otherwise lack sufficient access to fresh, healthy food.
• But farmers markets are only part of a solution that confront food insecurities in our communities.
Food Insecurity
What Is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a
household to live an active & healthy life.
This can be a temporary situation for a household or can last a long time.
According to the USDA, more than 38 million people, including 12 million children experience food
insecurity in the United States.
What causes food insecurity?
The causes of food insecurity are complex. Some of the causes of food insecurity include:
Poverty, unemployment, or low income
Lack of affordable housing
Chronic health conditions or lack of access to healthcare
Systemic racism and racial discrimination
Food Insecurity (continued)
What are the effects of food insecurity?
Some of the most common, yet complex, effects of food insecurity include:
Serious health complications, especially when people facing hunger are forced to choose between
spending money on food and medicine or medical care
Difficult decisions such as choosing between paying for food and heat, electricity, rent, and
transportation
The ramifications of food insecurity are innumerable. But looking specifically at youth, we know
they are at a critical stage of their development and that food insecurity undermines their physical
and emotional growth, stamina, academic achievement, and job performance.
Food Insecurity In Florida, Duval County
2019 Overall County Food Insecurity In Florida, Duval County (before Covid-19)
FOOD INSECURE PEOPLE IN DUVAL - 117,700
Food Insecurity Rate in Duval — 12.6%
Children and the elderly are the most at risk.
Projection for 2020
In Duval County, 21.8 percent of kids and 25.4 percent of households with people over the age
of 65 face food insecurity.
one in five children do not if, how or when they will next eat.
AVERAGE MEAL COST PER PERON IN DUVAL - $3.27
COVID-19's economic impact has dramatically increased food insecurity, especially among children
to one in four children in Florida are estimated to be food insecure.
20,121,100 Meals Are Needed To Meet The Meal Gap
Youth Nutrition and Behavioral Challenges
The goal of organizations like
www.myplate.govwempower youth & families to
make smart food choices for themselves and to
promote healthy dietary habits among their peers
and within their communities.
When youth do not get the necessary nutrients many physiological and
psychological issues can occur:
For example, a child that does not eat breakfast or lunch can feel
exhausted and not be able to stay focused in school.
Children from food insecure households are more likely to be in poor
health. This affects their ability to learn and to grow.
Youth that are lacking certain nutrients can have their own physical and
brain growth be impacted which could change their learning and
emotional growth and create changes that may be long lasting.
Food insecure children may be at greater risk of truancy and school
tardiness.
When they are in school, children who are food insecure may experience
an increase in an array of behavior problems including: Fighting,
hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, mood swings and bullying.
Youth Nutrition and Health Concerns
Studies have found that food insecurity has been associated with health problems for children that
may hinder their ability to function normally and participate fully in school and other activities.
• Children who are food insecure are more likely to require hospitalization.
• Children who are food insecure may be at higher risk for chronic health conditions, such as anemia
and asthma.
• Children who are food insecure may have more frequent instances of oral health problems.
• Food insecurity among young children is associated with poor physical quality of life, which may
prevent them from fully engaging in daily activities such as school and social interaction with
peers.
Thinking outside the lunch box
Food insecurity in the summer:
• Each summer, families with children struggle to meet their food needs as there are limited
summer food offerings for school-age children
• This summer, establishing food security likely will be harder, as high inflation increases the cost
of foods like meats, fresh produce, and dairy and heightens trade-offs families make between
food and other rising costs
• For families experiencing food insecurity, inflation can increase food insecurity and limit the
adequacy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• Some research also suggests that child obesity rates increase in the summer; in some
households, families may rely on cheaper, less healthy foods to stretch their budgets.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(EBT/SNAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP formerly known as Food Stamps.
USDA federally funded & was one of the largest safety net programs for those who need
help to put food on the table.
SNAP is an important source of support for many families, and benefits are valued
because they allow households to acquire food by shopping in mainstream retail
settings.
Was designed to reduce hunger and strengthen families
Boost to the economy by bringing Federal dollars into communities at local stores and
Farmer's Markets
USDA
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Inflation Increases The Cost of Healthy Foods
The average SNAP benefit per person was about $125 per month, which works out to about $1.39 per person
per meal.
The average (fiscal year 2022) Snap benefit amount for a family of four is $638 per month. This averages $21.26
a day to purchase food for a family of four.
• Food insecurity is a household measure that reflects limited or uncertain access to healthy food.
• Households experiencing food insecurity face challenges paying expenses, and food budgets are often cut
first in times of financial hardship as families trade off between food, rent and utilities.
• As inflation continue to rise, opting to reduce the nutritional quality of the food they eat, reducing their
food intake overall, or opting for lower-cost alternatives, all of which points to deepening food insecurity.
• So, without additional support, families may become less food secure as inflationary pressures limit their
ability to fully meet their food needs.
• Our Youth will continue to have both health and behavioral challenges.
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