An Invisible Barrier: Food Insecurity

With the Summer season here, many families look forward to vacation, outdoor activities, and quality time together! However, this might not be the case for some. The summer brings a different invisible barrier: food insecurity. Across the country nutritious meals become a privilege when school meal programs are not available for kids to access. Join Pediatrics Northwest as we delve into the impact of food insecurity during the summer and explore ways to help support the community that surrounds us!

Understanding Food Insecurity

Food insecurity can be defined as the lack of access to healthy and nutritious food for a household. During the school year, many children rely on free or reduced-price meals provided at school to meet their nutritional needs. When summer break begins, these meals may no longer be available, placing additional strain on families already facing financial difficulties.

In Pierce County, 1 in 6 people are unsure of where their next meal will come from, but for children at risk of going hungry the number is closer to 1 in 4 kids.  Food insecurity spikes during the summer, with families struggling to provide regular meals for their children. This affects not only the physical health of children but can also impact children’s mental health and academic performance throughout the year.

Pediatrics Northwest Community Support Initiative!

Pediatrics Northwest recognizes the importance of addressing food insecurity in our communities. If you would like to uplift the local community, please join us in our food drive! We are accepting non-perishable food donations for our local food bank! Feel free to drop off any donations to a Pediatrics Northwest location near you!

Other ways to help!

If you are looking for other ways to help, consider doing the following things below:

1. Volunteer Your Time: Food banks and community organizations rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food to families. Donating your time and effort can be life changing!
2. Spread Awareness: The first step in addressing an issue is raising awareness and being educated! Share information about local food drives and resources with the community around you!
3. Support Food Banks and Pantries: Food banks play a crucial role in combating food insecurity year-round. Consider making monetary donations or organizing a fundraising event to support their efforts. You can also drop-off food donations to a local food bank as well!

Local Resources

Community food banks and pantries can be seen as lifelines for families experiencing food insecurity. They provide not only food assistance but can potentially offer programs that promote long-term food security through education and outreach. Here are some resources that can help you locate the nearest food bank/pantry near you!

https://nourishpc.org/need-food/

https://mschelps.org/gethelp/food/

https://tcfb.org/

https://www.gigharborwa.gov/845/Food-Bank-Meal-Resources

As we enjoy the summertime, it is important to acknowledge that having a nutritiously sound summer is a privilege. By supporting Pediatrics Northwest, being educated, and supporting other initiatives, we can all play a role in helping families in our communities have access to nutritious meals year-round. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity and create a stronger, more supportive community.

Your contribution, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please reach out to one of our community health workers to assist you! Feel free to contact us at (253) 383-5777 x.4775