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Food Insecurity and Hunger in the time of COVID
It is an eternal obligation toward the human being not to let him suffer from hunger when one has a chance of coming to his assistance.”

Facing food insecurity in our communities

By Gabriella Rojas
As with so many issues in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how stark food inequities are in America.

2020 saw food banks lines with 2, 4, and even 10 hour waits. Families waited in lines miles long to receive nutritional aid after the COVID crisis caused an enormous economic downturn. According to a recent report by OxFam, the number of people dying from hunger rose six fold.

In stark contrast, farmers in 2020 were often forced to destroy gallons of milk, acres of crops and cases upon cases of eggs at the beginning of the pandemic due to disruptions in supply chains. It’s difficult to reconcile how this could be possible for a nation that faced such extreme hunger and poverty issues. 

While some states instituted programs to buy and donate crops from farmers, it is estimated that under the previous administration’s Agricultural department, tens of millions of dollars worth of crops were wasted.

As we see resurgences in COVID numbers, we as a nation must learn from our former mistakes. Should we see another economic downturn as we have in the past, it is imperative that we do not continue business as usual. 

Within this WIN Digest we have included resources for donation, educational tools, and bright spots relating to food insecurity and hunger. While we must hold corporations and governmental entities responsible for these issues, we must do what we can within our communities as well.
Articles
George Clerk/Getty Images

Food insecurity, like so many inequities in this world, is not a standalone issue. 

This article from Mother Jones shows how fighting climate change can also help fight food insecurity.

According to the United Nations World Food Programme, hunger hotspots are set to spike in 23 different places around the globe sometime between August and November.

You can download the WFP report below.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT
Cover Artwork by Diane Wilbon Parks

Poetry x Hunger

Poetry x Hunger is an initiative to gather intentionally inspiring poetry that address the causes and effects of food insecurity.

Poetry x Hunger has created a free e-collection of 30+ poems, donation links and writing prompts. You can download the free PDF below.

PODCAST
Farmers from Across the U.S. Heartland in Conversation

Curated by Feedspot, below is a list of podcasts that address food insecurity in the United States and across the globe.

In order for us to fix food insecurity, we must understand the problem more fully!
VIDEO
Starved: Our Food Insecurity Crisis is a documentary from 2020 about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected already existing food deserts and how local communities attempted to right those inequities. 
TOOLS TO BUILD WELL-BEING
Ways to support food security in your community

Our friends at Community Commons have some amazing resources relating to food insecurity. This week, we’d like to uplift this tool that features four ways to promote food security in your community. Check it out!
Bright Spots
Former NHL player donates to fight food insecurity

Henrik Lundqvist, former Rangers goalie, has pledged $100,000 to help fight food insecurity.

Lundqvist announced the donation via his social media channels on Wednesday. To learn more about what organizations will be receiving these donations, read more below!
Join the Conversation
The Role of Business in Promoting Equitable Access to Healthy Food

Together, we will explore how businesses can participate in a more accessible, resilient, and sustainable food ecosystem.

Hear how you can participate in advancing policies and investments to improve system-level sustainable access to healthy food.
WIN Measures Update Listening Session

Food insecurity is a major problem in the United States. In fact, according to the USDA 10.5% of families are food insecure. 

As part of our WIN Measures Update, we're holding a listening session to discuss food inequities.