Understanding the Struggle of Food Insecurity During the Covid-19 Global Pandemic

Eyal Gutentag on Understanding the Struggle of Food Insecurity During the Covid-19 Global Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted people around the world in a variety of ways. Food insecurity is an issue that has only been magnified by the COVID-19 crisis. Since the pandemic began, food insecurity has greatly increased in the United States and globally. People all over the country are unsure of where they will get their next meal. By the end of the year, the number of people facing hunger worldwide could reach 265 million.

Families with children have been particularly impacted. Many parents rely on schools to provide nutrition for their kids throughout the week. Together, the USDA National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program serve nearly 35 million children each day, delivering vital nutrition and financial assistance to families in need. Now, with a large portion of schools shut down, a majority of kids are staying home and utilizing online schooling. Low-income families are struggling not only to find childcare, but also to provide these extra meals with limited resources. The USDA is doing their best to find ways to extend certain free meal services, and other nonprofits are stepping up to do their part.

Parents with young kids aren’t the only people impacted. As individuals struggle with unemployment, households of all sizes are having issues paying rent. Eviction moratoriums have kept some individuals from being evicted, but those protections may be lifting soon. We are likely to see an increase in homelessness and poverty as we continue through the year. Food banks around the country are preparing for the increase in need as more people are forced onto the streets.

Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, and other nonprofits have set up active COVID-19 Response Funds to support families worldwide. But due to the pandemic, it is no longer as easy to distribute food safely. Extra precautions must be taken. Some food banks have switched to mobile "drive-through" distribution in order to keep individuals distanced. Despite the urgent need for assistance, it is important that we maintain proper safety protocols to keep our vulnerable populations safe during this crucial time. 

Many local food banks are adapting traditional service to develop safe solutions for their area, from “Grab-n-Go” meal banks, to meal deliveries at school bus stops. In some rural areas, the USDA has begun a partnership to deliver easy-to-prepare food to children at home. While these are all great ideas, we have yet to see how sustainable they will be long-term. We need cost-effective solutions that will keep our communities fed throughout this long pandemic. Policymakers will need to act soon to protect the health of our lower-income families.

For those of us who are in a position to help, there are many ways that you can give back directly. We must work together as a community to find creative ways to lift up those who need it most. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can personally help with Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis, visit https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19/.  - Eyal Gutentag