What do we mean by hunger? Generally, when service providers, policy makers, and advocates talk about hunger they are referring to a gap between how much and what folks want to eat, and what they have access to. This goes back to our thinking about the price of food and our guiding principle to provide the right food, at the right time, in the right place, and for the right price so our community is nourished. The reality of being food insecure (another term that gets bandied around that means something similar: when people can’t reliably access the food they need) can look different for different households.
Food is a major expense category for households, and it is often the only pliable area of regular spending.
This means that when folks are faced with challenging budgets food might get squeezed out of the picture. Federal Assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants & Children (WIC), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can help food be more affordable, but are not designed to tackle immediate and dynamic needs.
Addressing the root causes of hunger will challenge us to look at a multitude of systems and failures.
Fortunately, we are not alone. If you’re interested in learning more about the fight against hunger I encourage you to check out Hunger Free Vermont and New Hampshire Hunger Solutions.
At the Co-op, shopper’s donations to our Pennies for Change program have raised more than $1,353,265 directly to our food access partners: LISTEN, Upper Valley Haven, Willing Hands, and The Friends of Mascoma. Consider rounding up your purchase if you are able to give. These organizations provide food when folks need it. Together, we make a difference for our community.
Rebecca White is the Co-op’s Public & Government Affairs Associate. Contact her at comment@coopfoodstore.com.
