California Grocers Association’s Post

We don’t have a food shortage, we have a distribution shortage. Rather than passing our surplus food around the table, we're throwing it in the trash. Rewarding #fooddonation, as an alternative to landfilling, is the first line of defense against rampant #foodwaste. In Rhode Island, where #foodinsecurity is high, #taxincentives would be a useful tool to help divert more of that surplus food to families in need. 🍪🤖 https://lnkd.in/ek44VCYy Thanks to ReFED and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council.

The US Congress is about a year behind in authorizing a major piece of Federal legislation called the Farm Bill. Despite the name, this massive piece of policy impacts every American through the food we eat. However, advocates agree that no farm bill is better than a bad farm bill! Of course two drafts of the Farm Bill have now been released, one from the Senate called The Rural Prosperity And Food Security Act and one from the House called the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. Advocates are reviewing each version and are seeking to inform the public on the differences between them and how well each bill supports the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Here's what Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief agency in the US, has to say. https://lnkd.in/ePh9dYc5

The COVID-19 pandemic increased food insecurity, with Rhode Island's insecurity hitting a 20 year high.  Multiple policy responses addressed this at the time, like the CARES Act which combatted hunger and supported food access programs across the state. However, funding has since run out, and Rhode Islanders are once again experiencing increased levels of food insecurity, along with an increase in food costs. MPA Grace Feisthamel explores the sustainability of impactful policy solutions and presents recommendations for addressing hunger. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e2KNQ-9B #CornellPolicyReview #CornellMPA #GovernmentAndPolitics #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #CARESAct #RhodeIsland 

In 2023, County Executive Steuart Pittman created the Anne Arundel County Food Council by executive order. Hosted by the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families and facilitated by Due East, the Food Council came together to address the root causes of food insecurity. Due East played a pivotal role in bringing together a diverse group of local food providers, producers, and distributors, fostering a collective vision and shared plan to ensure everyone has equitable access to affordable, healthy food. 🍎 This strategic plan combines safety-net programs such as food banks and pantries with long-term solutions that aim to strengthen local farming and community gardens. 🧑🌾 The ultimate goal is to ensure that individuals earn enough income to afford healthy food for themselves and their families. #socialimpactleaders #sustainablecommunities #togetherwethrive

Local & Regional News Food desert elimination grant combats food insecurity in Arkansas KUAR | By Sophia Nourani / KUAF Published September 17, 2024 at 3:55 PM CDT A new study conducted by the federal department of agriculture, or the USDA, has identified Arkansas as the most food insecure state in the country. With almost 20% of the state lacking resources to feed their household, Arkansas has a significantly higher rate of hunger than the national average of 12%. There is a food desert in every county in Arkansas. What’s a food desert? According to the USDA, it’s a term used to describe a region with a large number of households facing low incomes, inadequate access to transportation and a limited number of food retailers providing fresh, affordable produce. In a rural state like Arkansas, these types of areas are common to find. And while residents may be growing food in these farming-driven communities, CEO of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s Sylvia Blain said the food isn’t for the farmers. https://lnkd.in/gMNqVd8q

According to Feeding America, the rates of food insecurity in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana stand at 11.8 percent, 12.9 percent, and 10.7 percent, respectively, surpassing the national average of 10.4 percent. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, often facing fixed incomes, limited mobility and the difficult choice between purchasing food or vital medications. With the help from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Freestore Foodbank launched Produce Pop Ups, an innovative program that offers a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as additional items, like bread, to communities in need. Since its launch, the program has hosted over 500 fresh produce food pantries each year, in collaboration with community organizations, churches, and schools. Read more from Freestore Foodbank and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and how they are prioritizing food insecurity and ensuring everyone has equitable access to nourishing food. https://ow.ly/zven30sFSk3

October 16 marks World Food Day recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and this year's theme "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future" reflects on the ongoing efforts to ensure everyone has access to nourishment. In Northumberland County, many families, seniors, and children face the harsh reality of not knowing where their next meal will come from. As winter nears, some are forced to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries, while others grapple with the shame of relying on local food banks to feed their families. We believe that tackling hunger starts close to home, and your support can help fund food security programs like Northumberland Eats 2.0, which provides microgrants to grassroots agencies operating as food banks and hubs. These efforts directly combat food insecurity by reinforcing the safety nets that so many in our community depend on daily. Please help us continue to create programs and fund organizations working to feed our community. https://lnkd.in/gqPnsjN2 #worldfoodday #unitedway #unitedwaynorthumberland #northumberlandeats #communitymatters

According to Feeding America, the rates of food insecurity in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana stand at 11.8 percent, 12.9 percent, and 10.7 percent, respectively, surpassing the national average of 10.4 percent. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, often facing fixed incomes, limited mobility and the difficult choice between purchasing food or vital medications. With the help from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Freestore Foodbank launched Produce Pop Ups, an innovative program that offers a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as additional items, like bread, to communities in need. Since its launch, the program has hosted over 500 fresh produce food pantries each year, in collaboration with community organizations, churches, and schools. Read more from Freestore Foodbank and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and how they are prioritizing food insecurity and ensuring everyone has equitable access to nourishing food. https://ow.ly/lVaO30sB5wc

According to Feeding America, the rates of food insecurity in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana stand at 11.8 percent, 12.9 percent, and 10.7 percent, respectively, surpassing the national average of 10.4 percent. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, often facing fixed incomes, limited mobility and the difficult choice between purchasing food or vital medications. With the help from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Freestore Foodbank launched Produce Pop Ups, an innovative program that offers a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as additional items, like bread, to communities in need. Since its launch, the program has hosted over 500 fresh produce food pantries each year, in collaboration with community organizations, churches, and schools. Read more from Freestore Foodbank and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and how they are prioritizing food insecurity and ensuring everyone has equitable access to nourishing food. https://ow.ly/ELAZ30sBc5M