Hunger & Food Insecurity
Families sometimes do not have enough money or the means to purchase healthy food to eat over the course of a month, leaving them food insecure When this happens, family members often go hungry, andtheirbodiesdonotgettheessentialnutrientstheyneed.
In 2023, 135% of US households (approximately 18 million) experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. In 2022, Feeding America estimates that 112% Pierce County residents (over 100,000individuals)werefoodinsecure.
Not having enough healthy food can lead to big problems over time
People who don't regularly get enough food or enough nutritious food are more likely to get sick, have heart problems, develop diabetes or high blood pressure. Kids who don't get enough healthy food might have trouble learning, behaving well in school, or getting good grades High levels of anxiety, depression, and stress are also common among those who frequently worry about whether they will have enough to eat.
Your Local Food Bank
Food banks, such as the one run by Families Unlimited Network, are essential for helping everyone in our community have enough healthy food to eat. By receiving donated food from others, food banks are able to give this food to people who would otherwise go hungry