Food insecurity is climbing, states DOA study

United States of America households are still finding it difficult to put enough food on the table, reports the Department of Agriculture. That’s no surprise, considering recent data. However, the level of food insecurity – where at least one member of a family does not receive sufficient nourishment because of financial troubles – is at its greatest level since the statistic was first tracked in 1995.

Food insecurity in almost fifteen percent of United States homes

In 2009, 14.7 percent of American households met the qualifications for food insecurity status. That’s 17.4 million homes, or roughly 45 million people. One-third of those homes earned the dubious distinction of having "very low food security," states the Department of Agriculture.

Running low on cash for food

Food insecure homes cited in the research typically went as least a few days per month over a seven-month period with moderate to severe food problems. If a home had only one parent then it was more likely to have food security problems. In two parent households, food security problems weren't as much of an issue. Households within the suburbs and rural areas were with African-American and Hispanic homes in that they were all more prone to food insecurity.

Government aid accessible to food insecure households

Federal assistance was in the homes of those who were food insecure most of the time the Department of Agriculture explained. Specifically, these households benefit from one or more of the following initiatives: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the National Schooling Lunch Program, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Kids (WIC). This past year, there were huge increases in the programs with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program growing 18.7 percent, WIC growing 5.8 % and the lunch program growing 5.4 %.

Crucial help

The reports that the Department of Agriculture came out with are showing just how important these programs are. The Obama administration is looking at getting the federal deficit down which makes these programs look fairly easy to cut. Cable News Network was able to talk to USDA Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and consumer Services Kevin Concannon. He said thatthe well-being of American families needs to be considered here. Opponents of such programs, however, would highlight the need for tighter restrictions as to how benefits may be used.

Articles cited

CNN

edition.cnn.com/2010/US/11/15/poverty.hunger/index.html?iref=NS1

Too many children are hungry

youtube.com/watch?v=VkTPgexN8XM