On the Lakeshore,12.4% of our community lacks adequate access to food. This leaves many of our neighbors not knowing where their next meal is coming from, skipping meals, and missing out on healthy options due to affordability or accessibility.
Food insecurity is a pervasive, structural problem that’s intertwined with poverty, wage stagnation, education opportunities, health care access, and transportation.
Multiple studies show that people living on lower incomes experience higher levels of obesity, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. A lack of healthy food can do significant harm to a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and future economic prosperity. Food insecure children may experience delayed development, an increased risk of chronic illness, and behavioral problems like hyperactivity and anxiety.
Local communities play a vital role in helping people access healthy and nutritious food. Local solutions funded by local organizations are helping to close the gaps of food insecurity in our community. At United Way of the Lakeshore, we are doing this through a monthly mobile food pantry partnership, with the goal of meeting the basic needs of Oceana families. This year alone, Oceana has been able to serve over 1,500 families. That is over 72,000 pounds of food distributed into our community.
While our work has seen success, we know there are many of our community members who we could still reach. With your support, we can continue working towards our goal of eliminating food insecurity in our community.
Contact United Way of the Lakeshore to get involved.
