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What is Food Insecurity?

California produces nearly half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 5 Californians - that's about 8 million - currently struggle with food insecurity. "Food insecurity" is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life.

Food insecurity has serious impacts on an individual's well-being, which may result in poor school attendance and performance, lowered workplace productivity, and decreased physical and mental health. Individuals experiencing food insecurity have to make tough decisions that no one should face. No family should have to decide between buying groceries or paying rent, no senior should have to choose between food and medicine, and no parent should have to skip a meal in order for their children to eat.

Hunger in California

California Food Insecurity Rate: 20%
Data is from the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey, and compiled by Diane Schanzenbach and Natalie Tomeh from the Northwestern Institute for Policy Research.

Californians facing food insecurity: ~8 million
On average, 1 out of every 5 Californians does not know where their next meal will come from - but this number doesn't tell the full story. Because of vast structural inequities , much greater levels of hunger are experienced by Black, Latinx, and Multiracial Californians, with white and Asian-identifying Californians experiencing food insecurity at rates lower than the general population. As shown below, Black Californians are more than twice as likely_to experience food insecurity than white Californians.

Reports

California food banks delivered more than 1 billion pounds of food in 2020 alone. See how we're responding to California's ongoing hunger crisis by checking out our recently published reports:

2021 Impact Report
Everyone to the Table

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Hunger Data & Research - California Association of Food Banks

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What is Food Insecurity? California produces nearly half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 5 Californians - that's about 8 million - currently struggle with food insecurity. "Food insecurity" is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life....

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California produces nearly half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 5 Californians - that's about 8 million - currently struggle with food insecurity. "Food insecurity" is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life.

Food insecurity has serious impacts on an individual's well-being, which may result in poor school attendance and performance, lowered workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. Individuals struggling with food insecurity have to make tough decisions that no one should face. No family should have to decide between buying groceries or paying rent, no senior should have to choose between food and medicine, and no parent should have to skip a meal in order for their children to eat.

Californians facing food insecurity: ~ 8 million
On average, 1 out of every 5 Californians does not know where their next meal will come from - with greater levels of hunger experienced by Black and Latinx families.

Food insecurity rates by county:
This data is based off of the Census Surveys, and it's important to note that Phase 1 is not comparable to Phase 2. Even though the questions related to food insufficiency are identical, the Census Bureau added more questions to the survey, which affected response rates, especially for Black and Latinx individuals. Due to data limitations, survey data may underestimate food insufficiency.

California food banks delivered more than 1 billion pounds of food in 2020 alone. See how we're responding to California's ongoing hunger crisis.

Here's the data.

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Hunger Data - California Association of Food Banks

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California produces nearly half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 5 Californians - that's about 8 million - currently struggle with food insecurity. "Food insecurity" is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life. Food insecurity has serious...

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FoodGreen Orange Minimal Worldwide Food Service Safety Month Instagram Post

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Check out this Instagram post designed by Beth Probeus.

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Find a Local Food Bank

If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 2-1-1 to speak with someone about services in your area (lines are open 24 hours a day).

About Food Banks

A food bank is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has a Board of Directors representing the community it serves.

Food banks work with their local communities to ensure that everyone has access to healthful foods. They solicit, receive, store, and distribute fresh produce and pantry staples. They help people get connected to other essential benefits and serve as community hubs for volunteers. Our food banks operate with principles of client choice, dignity, respect, and appreciation for the diverse communities they serve.

Ten Food Bank Facts

If you are a food bank that is interested in becoming a member, please reach out to our membership team.

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California Association of Food Banks | Find a Local Food Bank

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Find a Local Food Bank If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call 2-1-1 to speak with someone about services in your area (lines are open 24 hours a day). Become a Member If you are a food bank that is interested in becoming a member, please reach...