Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of reliable access to a sufficient amount of quality, affordable and nutritious food. Food insecurity is one measure of defining hunger. In the United States, 1 in 9 people struggle with hunger, according to Feeding America.
In Dauphin County, the percentage of the population that is facing food insecurity is 12.9% (Central PA Food Bank 6/1/2020).
There are many causes of food insecurity. For many who have limited savings, any of us may be one month away from deciding whether bills should be paid or food should be purchased. Unemployment, lay-offs, rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, car maintenance and repair, and medical bills are all reasons why people struggle with food insecurity.
Food insecurity impacts all of us – urban, suburban, the young as well as the old. It is the Ecumenical Food Pantry’s mission to provide emergency food assistance to those in need to ease the burden of food insecurity.