Are You Experiencing Food insecurity?

In 2023, food is getting more expensive, from shell eggs to the cost of fresh produce, meat, and milk. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it's been challenging to find affordable fresh foods. Although there isn't a genuine food shortage in Northern Virginia like that of other states and cities in the US are experiencing, we are facing more expensive foods, with fresh fruits and vegetables becoming more and more expensive.

Throughout the country, we have seen an increase in food deserts in inner cities. This is where fresh fruits and vegetables aren't as accessible as they are in wealthier areas.

By: Jocelyn Johnson, MSN, LDN, CNS

Although no food deserts exist in the affluent Northern Virginia area, the food cost affects every household's bottom line in their food budget.

Yet, fresh and affordable foods can be challenging and difficult to obtain for those with lower socioeconomic status (SES) households. The lack of affordable foods in higher SES areas is known as food insecurity, where food is abundant yet extremely expensive. In 2021, 12.5% of households in the US were considered to be food insecure. This statistic is astounding because the US is regarded as one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Northern Virginia is one of the wealthiest areas in the country, with six counties in Northern Virginia; Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince Williams, Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax City. All of these counties have small populations that are food insecure. Anywhere from 3.4 to 10% of these populations are dealing with food insecurities. Many of these residents use local food banks or food pantries.

The Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) (located in Prince Williams County) has a food resource center to assist foodinsecure families. The resource center offers emergency food assistance to families, nutrition information, and strategies for shopping for food on a budget.

In addition, there are food banks within all the counties where you can find assistance, donate food or volunteer time, and sweat equity to serve the community at your local food pantry or food bank. Most of these services are offered to the public with no questions asked. Many food pantries or banks have a first come, first served policy. There are too many to mention in this article. However, you can begin with a quick google search for your local food bank or food pantry and inquire about services or their volunteer needs.