SAC Food Insecurity Article Post
- Caleb Goodman
- Nov 23, 2024
- 2 min read
With Thanksgiving approaching, many families in Orange County face the harsh reality of food insecurity, struggling to afford a holiday meal. Currently, around 14% of local households rely on food banks and soup kitchens to meet basic needs. Since 2020, inflation has driven up the cost of essential groceries by approximately 20% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023), forcing countless families to make difficult choices between buying food and paying rent. This rise in costs impacts low-income households most—these families spend around 27% of their income on food, compared to 7% for the wealthiest households (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The expiration of pandemic-related assistance has only deepened this “food cliff” effect, pushing more people to seek support from community resources. In a recent survey by Orange County Food Pantries, over 60% of families expressed feeling “embarrassed” about needing aid, with nearly half admitting to delaying assistance due to stigma.
Economic disparities are especially pronounced within specific communities. Nationally, African American and Hispanic households experience food insecurity at nearly double the rate of white households. (USDA, Household Food Security in the United States, 2022). In Orange County, neighborhoods with higher poverty rates have experienced a 40% increase in demand for food assistance over the past year, highlighting a growing need in vulnerable communities. As need-based aid is distributed largely along socioeconomic lines, these inequalities often contribute to a stigma around receiving help.
With the demand for food banks and soup kitchens growing, breaking down this stigma is essential to fostering a more unified, compassionate community. Reducing the divides that separate communities begins with individual actions to cultivate understanding and empathy. Now more than ever, community support is critical, both in resources and in attitude.
Student Advocacy for Change provides opportunities for those ready to make a difference. Our organization offers volunteer roles at local soup kitchens, food banks, and community service drives. These opportunities not only support those in need but also empower volunteers, helping them build self-efficacy and a stronger connection to their community. As Thanksgiving nears, let’s reflect on how we can reduce stigma, support struggling families, and create a culture of acceptance around seeking help.
Visit our website to learn more about how to get involved. This holiday season, let’s come together to uplift our neighbors and build a more inclusive, compassionate community.
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Consumer Price Index Summary.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Consumer Expenditures.
USDA Economic Research Service. (2022). Household Food Security in the United States in 2021.
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