Food Programs Connecting to the Community by Maggie Allen Poverty, hunger, and homelessness; three issues that are inextricably linked to one another. Extreme hunger has been linked to everything from poor sleep to inability to focus, and even to issues with learning and cognitive function. According to Feeding America, “Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school-age children.” Growing up with this kind of environment can cause lasting damage. While some children are fed by school programs, at best those are but one to two meals a day. As for adults, the poorest areas are often subject to a phenomenon called ‘food deserts,’ in which close, convenient access to healthy foods are limited or non-existent. Gas stations and fast food restaurants fill the gap, preying upon people’s exhaustion and their need for quick, prepared options. But despite dollar menus and coupons, many of these foods end up being more expensive in the long run. And on top of all that, society-at-large often shames people for poor health, sometimes without even considering individual situations that make these aspects of life inevitable. The shame, the stress, the exhaustion of constantly working to feed and house oneself and one’s family, sometimes never more than an emergency bill away from crippling debt or starvation, is enough to beat anyone down. Food insecurity not only impacts families, but entire communities. Hunger goes hand in hand with health and wellbeing; where one is lacking, the other is sure to be as well. And while there are many factors at play, one of the worst is the lack of financial investment and support in the areas that need it most. Businesses and good, stable jobs go elsewhere and with no help from the government and social services, the people left behind can neither enrich nor escape their situations. Those who are most desperate will struggle, starve, or survive by any means necessary.
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