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A food insecurity can be described as the lack of food within in a household. Most food insecurities are due to a financial situation that restricts families from having a sufficient quality or quantity of food. Though food insecurities can affect anyone who live above or below the poverty line, most insecurities impact poverty-stricken individuals or families.

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The chart above gives a representation of the different types of food insecurities. 13.6% of people shared they have "Marginal food security" which can be described as those with little or no changes in food intake or diet. Coming in at 26.1% of people described having "very low food security" which are those who have disrupted eating patterns and the quantity of food is reduced. 30.1% of respondents shared they have a "low food security" meaning there are reductions in quality and variety. The highest extent of a food insecurity is described as having "high food security". 30.2% of the respondents reported this, meaning the individual or family greatly lacks consistent access to enough food for everyone, this can be temporary or long-term depending on the financial situations the families are faced with.

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It is important to take action and spread awareness about food insecurity because of the affects it has on early childhood development. Early childhood development is being jeopardized when food insecurities come into play. Children go through academic challenges, mental health struggles, and even health problems which can create long lasting issues when it comes to the child's development. If children aren’t getting the proper nutrients needed throughout the day their brains aren’t being fueled properly in order to keep up academically. The decline in nutrients will overall lead to a decline in academic performance which could highly affect how long they continue getting an education and how long they feel the need to peruse an education. No child should ever have to worry about when their next meal is coming from, creating those stressors at such a young age is going to put that child in a disadvantage when it comes to school-readiness. Nutrient dense foods play an immense role when children are growing. If children are being depleted of certain fruits and vegetables that are meant to help them thrive many children are going to fall behind academically and physically.

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I chose food insecurities because I want to pursue a career in teaching. I think every child deserves the opportunity to feel comfortable knowing when they can get their next meal at desired mealtimes, or even a quick snack if they're hungry. No child should have to undergo the pain of a hungry stomach because of financial issues in the family. I think it is important to educate myself and become aware of the challenges my students could be facing outside of school which could result in challenges inside the school.

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There are several ways people can get involved in order to decrease the number of families who suffer from a food insecurity!

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Share Food Program | Get Involved | Share Food Program

The website www.sharefoodprograms.org is on a mission to fight hunger today. On their website they offer numerous ways people can help out. They have a group of people who sort and pack food boxes to help deliver food to those in need. The delivery system created by the organization is meant for individuals who want to sign up from there they can deliver food to those struggling with an insecurity.

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Looking for volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia? Find all the ways you can help feed those in need by volunteering with Share Food Program.

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Contact Sharefoodprogram:

2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19129
(215) 223-2220

info@sharefoodprogram.org

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Resource Pantry - WCU of PA (wcupa.edu)

West Chester's resource pantry is designed to support students’ success by minimizing food and basic need insecurity and prepping students for life after graduation here at wcu. Their website offers many options in order to get involved, the organization supply's several links which take viewers to either the "donating" site or the "volunteering" site. Students can get involved by volunteering in the campus garden to help plant certain fruits, and vegetables as well as harvest them. Students can even donate canned goods to the pantry, or fresh products as well!

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Student Resource Pantry at West Chester University

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Contact Resource pantry directly:
Office Location:
715 S. New St.
Commonwealth Hall, Lower Level
Enter at Student Health Services
West Chester, PA 19383

Phone: 610-436-2378
Email: pantry@wcupa.edu