As we head into the holidays, more than 230,00 Georgians are unemployed and many Americans are worried that they or someone in their household could lose their jobs.
Too many are struggling to make ends meet — including putting food on the table during this holiday season. In fact, in an October 2020 report on food insecurity, Feeding America estimated the number of Americans who consider themselves food insecure could rise to more than 50 million in 2020, an increase of more than 13 million from 2018 data. Food insecurity rises from a “lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members,” according to the Feeding America report, and also typically affects the most vulnerable in our society.
Food insecurity has frequently been an issue in communities of color, and in Georgia, where it’s estimated more than 1.3 million people are struggling with hunger.
“This has been a hard year, and many are in need,” noted Robert F. Smith on Twitter. “This has also been a hopeful year, as so many have stood tall to serve their communities. Let’s all who are able dig deep and make this the most generous #GivingTuesday ever.”
In an effort to make some direct impact in food insecurity problems in Georgia this month, Smith and the Fund II Foundation sponsored an effort with Fair Count Inc. to distribute $150 supermarket gift cards to in-need families in 33 cities and towns across Georgia in late November and early December.
This effort is estimated to have helped feed more than 500 people, including nearly 300 children. Food insecurity is a problem for so many families across the nation, and in Georgia, data shows that 1 in 8 people struggle with hunger, and 1 in 6 children often go hungry, according to Feeding America. You can see how food insecurity affects your state, with easily searchable information online, along with local food bank resources from Feeding America. If you or someone you know are food insecure, there are many more resources available for help in your neighborhood, and beyond.
Read more about the distribution effort in the Atlanta Daily World.
