Many people underestimate the prevalence of food insecurity. Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity has increased in every county in Iowa and impacts 385,130 Iowans- over 120,000 of which are children. That’s 12% of Iowans and 16.6% of Iowa children who don’t know where or when they will get their next meal. This data also comes at a time when the need for food is at its greatest, as many food banks are still waiting in limbo for food trucks from the USDA. Annette Hacker, vice president of strategy and communications with the Food Bank of Iowa, said the lack of food from the USDA means they have to purchase even more food than usual.
Since food banks are having to purchase food more often, the best way to support them is to donate money directly to them. Food donations and volunteering donations are always welcome, but it’s important to note that food banks can stretch your dollar even further than you might be able to.
A common misconception about food insecurity, especially in Iowa, is that it mostly impacts urban communities. However, this isn’t really the case. According to the Map the Meal Gap study, most of the top ten counties in Iowa with the highest levels of food insecurity are rural. Hacker noted that over a fifth of the children in some of those counties are facing food insecurity.
At times, the battle against food insecurity can seem insurmountable, but that doesn’t mean that we can all give up. When it comes to combatting hunger, Hacker said it is important to advocate for the less fortunate and donate the products that they need to not only survive but thrive.
To volunteer, donate, or receive food, visit foodbankiowa.org.
