Food insecurity is a way to measure who needs help getting enough food.
It means not having steady access to enough nourishment to live an active, healthy life. In the United States, 42 million people, including 13 million children, will experience food insecurity in 2021.
Coronavirus Impact on Food Insecurity
Before the coronavirus pandemic, food insecurity was the lowest it had been in two decades. But even in that year of historic prosperity, 3.5 million people in America were food insecure. They didn’t have access to the food they needed because they couldn’t afford it. More than 10 million of these Americans were children. Many households in this category fail to qualify for federal or state assistance, so they rely on us and other local food pantries for support.
The Faces of Food Insecurity
What’s the face of food insecurity in Greater Fall River? It’s the face of your neighbor. Feed America projects that 11.6% of residents in Bristol County, Massachusetts will experience food insecurity in 2021, including more than 15.1% of children. Unfortunately, the pandemic most impacted households that were already struggling.
In times of plenty and in times of historic struggle, these are some of the types of Southeastern Massachusetts residents that we help.
Working Parent:
Food stamps do not go far with three young children. This young mom really appreciates the fresh fruits and vegetables she gets at the Food Pantry. Since we usually have plenty of produce she’s familiar with, she can make her family meals from scratch. She is especially grateful for the peanut butter, boxed, self-stable milk, pasta, juice, bread and pastries when available. The children all look forward to the goodies…especially the pastries… when she arrives home from shopping.
Challenges:
Stretching the monthly food budget
Finding familiar ingredients
Accessing healthy staples and special treats
The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry helps families take control of their own food needs by providing access to the ingredients they need at no cost.
Retired Couple:
Both retirees in their late sixties visit the Food Pantry regularly to supplement their retirement income. Both worked in the local textile mills their whole adult lives after arriving from the Azores as children with their parents. Maria is known as a fine seamstress and has helped fit many gowns for brides in the community. She now suffers from severe arthritis in her hands, interfering with her work and making it even harder to stretch their income. They are really fond of the fresh veggies always available at The Pantry which they use to make “soupas.” Their regular visits help them find routine and community, always ready with a story or a joke.
Challenges:
Limited income and increasing expenses
Getting enough fresh vegetables for home-cooked meals
Connecting with the community
The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry helps households access the fresh foods they crave at no cost while providing a friendly community environment.
Homeless Resident:
This resident doesn’t have a place to live, complicating his ability to store food. As someone suffering from mental health issues and addiction he can’t find employment due to drug testing requirements. Each evening he travels from shelter to shelter to find a place to sleep. When there are no openings, he finds space outside. He takes only the food he can use outdoors, that doesn’t require a lot of preparation or cooking and that he can carry in his backpack. He is grateful to the Food Pantry for helping him survive. He found out about us from other people at shelters. He hopes to enter a rehab facility soon and for now the Food Pantry is helping to keep him fed.
Challenges:
Getting enough food to survive
Portable food that can be easily consumed
The promise of future support
The Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry helps people suffering from homelessness and addiction with the food they need to move forward: immediate sustenance and the security of continued support.
