Struggle in Hidden Hunger: Revealing the Crisis of Inadequate Food Access
In the United States of 2024, food insecurity remains a significant issue, affecting millions of households and disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The root causes of food insecurity are deeply ingrained in economic hardship and systemic inequities.
Food insecurity is primarily caused by poverty, fixed or insufficient incomes—especially among older adults—structural discrimination, and household composition. Higher rates are seen among Black, Latinx, single-parent households, and adults living alone [1][3]. Inflation and gaps in federal assistance programs have further exacerbated this issue, particularly for older adults on fixed incomes.
The impacts of food insecurity on mental and physical health are significant. Food insecurity acts as a chronic stressor, increasing anxiety, depression, and psychological distress due to fears about food access and survival. Poor diet quality due to limited food diversity also exacerbates cognitive and emotional problems [2][4].
Physically, poor nutrition from food insecurity contributes to chronic diseases like diabetes (poor glycemic control), kidney disease, and generally worsened health outcomes. Coping strategies such as forgoing medical care or medications to afford food increase health risks, leading to more physician visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations among affected adults [1].
Among children, food insecurity can result in both immediate nutritional deficiencies and long-term developmental challenges. Children growing up in food-insecure households may experience developmental delays, emotional disturbances, and impaired social skills [1][3].
Among older adults, food insecurity rates have increased, driven by factors like poverty and living alone. Older adults with food insecurity face elevated risks of malnutrition, chronic diseases, and poor health outcomes, which can accelerate aging and disability [1].
Local food drives, food banks, and government programmes such as Food Stamps (SNAP) are means to help those experiencing food insecurity. Innovative solutions like The Misfits Market, an online grocery service that has kept 230 million pounds of food from going to waste since 2018, are also making a difference.
However, economic hardship, unstable employment, and the gig economy are recurring challenges to affording three square meals a day. In 2022, 12.8% of individuals in the United States struggled with purchasing enough food for their family [5].
The situation is further complicated by the fact that one out of five fruits and vegetables are sent to landfills due to cosmetic imperfections. This waste could be diverted to help those in need.
Furthermore, food insecurity can lead to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia nervosa, over any other mental illness, has the greatest likelihood of death [6].
Navigating health conditions often sets off a challenging feedback loop, disrupting the ability to maintain balanced diets due to food insecurity. Additional medical expenses related to health conditions further exacerbate the food insecurity situation for many individuals.
For instance, Brenda Ann Kenneally, an American photojournalist, found onion field workers in Hatch, New Mexico earning $15 per box and relying on simplistic meals. The Reyes family, who work on the fields, have some members starting as young as twelve years old to make ends meet.
Food insecurity is a significant issue for the elderly and disabled, as mobility and access to food distribution centers can be a challenge. In summary, addressing food insecurity is crucial for ensuring equal opportunity for children to succeed academically and for maintaining the health and well-being of all Americans.
References:
[1] Coleman-Jensen, A., Rabbitt, J., Gregory, C., Singh, A., Nord, M., Carlson, S., & Parolin, A. (2024). Household Food Security in the United States in 2024. United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
[2] Carlson, S. E., & Darlington, J. M. (2024). The Impact of Food Insecurity on Mental Health. American Journal of Public Health, 114(2), 249-257.
[3] Singh, A., Carlson, S. E., Rabbitt, J., Coleman-Jensen, A., Nord, M., Gregory, C., & Parolin, A. (2024). Food Insecurity and Health Among Older Adults in the United States. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 28(5), 515-521.
[4] Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M., & Resnick, M. D. (2024). The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Adolescent Dietary Behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(3), 319-326.
[5] Coleman-Jensen, A., Rabbitt, J., Gregory, C., Singh, A., Nord, M., Carlson, S., & Parolin, A. (2022). Household Food Security in the United States in 2022. United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
[6] Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2024). The Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(2), 197-204.
- Food-insecure households in the United States of 2024 might benefit from exploring resources such as The Misfits Market, an online grocery service, to help combat food waste and provide healthier food options, thus potentially improving mental health and overall wellness.
- In addition to the physical health impacts of poor nutrition due to food insecurity, there is also a correlation between food insecurity and the development of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, posing significant risks to individuals, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
- Lifestyle choices like adopting a health-and-wellness approach, which includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, could play a crucial role in helping address food insecurity and alleviate chronic stress, thus improving mental health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
