Strengthening Food Banks. Fighting Food Insecurity.

Food insecurity affects nearly 50 million people in the United States. That incomprehensible figure is much more than just a number; it’s a clear message that, despite the significant efforts of food banks nationwide, there is still much work to be done to eliminate food insecurity. Since I started volunteering with my local food bank in 2023, I’ve seen how economic instability, rising costs, and systemic barriers impact people’s ability to access food.

Yet, despite these obstacles, food banks continue to be a lifeline for so many, adapting quickly to new challenges and relying heavily on community support. Food banks today face a combination of rising demand and reduced support. Cuts to federal emergency food programs and delays in government funding have forced many food banks to scale back their operations. At the same time, inflation and supply chain disruptions continue to increase food costs, making it more difficult to keep shelves stocked. Some food banks have had to ration distributions, shorten service hours, and turn away families they once served.