Hamp Lee III’s Post

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. Yet, 1 in 5 households with children in the Chicago Metro area experience food insecurity. This September, for #HungerActionMonth, join us in our mission to #EndHungerNow. Visit https://bit.ly/3DCIs51 to find ways you can get involved. Every action―big or small―is one step closer to an America where no one is hungry. Feeding America

I recently learned that one in four U.S. workers reported experiencing food insecurity within the last year, according to The Cigna Group’s 2023 Vitality in America research. Learn more about how The Cigna Group is improving health equity in the white paper linked below. #WeAreTheCignaGroup #EachAndEvery

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like many to remember that this holiday is not always celebrated with food. Having the abundance of entrées, side dishes, desserts is truly a privilege. In my home city--Toledo, Ohio, experiences significant food insecurity, especially among low-income households. In Lucas County, where Toledo is located, around 21% of residents and 25.2% of children are affected by food insecurity. Many residents face challenges accessing nutritious food due to the prevalence of food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food options, particularly affecting neighborhoods with low incomes and reduced mobility options. These food deserts are compounded by economic hardship, as roughly 61% of Lucas County households facing food insecurity fall below the income threshold for SNAP benefits, limiting their ability to access additional food assistance programs. Organizations like the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank play a vital role in addressing this issue by providing food distribution, SNAP outreach, and educational programs. Community initiatives, such as local food pantries and projects like the Little Free Food Pantry and community gardens, further support residents in need. Despite these efforts, food insecurity remains a pressing issue that requires continued community and policy efforts to ensure equitable food access and support for Toledo's vulnerable populations. This year my church helped by providing gift certificates for food to members of our community to promote community presence as well as helping those in need. If you are able, you should try to provide others with food or you can invite others to your home to help with the prevalent food insecurity of today! #publichealth #socialdeterminantsofhealth #foodinsecurity #publichealt #toledo #food

Because many people believe that food assistance is a privilege that must be earned rather than a right, they prioritize giving food away rather than ending hunger. Read more about how this attitude hurts your food pantry (and the people you serve) on the Who Deserves to Eat blog: https://lnkd.in/gy_kZu-T #whodeservestoeat #endhunger #foodjustice

Need help with Thanksgiving meals? 211 can help! 🍂🦃 As we gather to give thanks, we want to ensure everyone has access to a warm Thanksgiving meal. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity this holiday season, 211 is here to connect you with local resources such as: 🍁 Free Thanksgiving meal services 🍁 Food pantries and holiday food drives 🍁 Community meals and outreach programs 🍁 Assistance with SNAP benefits Don’t go through the holidays without the support you need. Call 211 or text your zip code to "898211" to find food resources near you. #ThanksgivingHelp #211SupportsYou #CommunityResources #FoodAssistance

Job loss can quickly lead to food insecurity. Understand the impact and learn how you can take action to help those in need.

🌱 Fighting the Stigma Around Food Insecurity: Sara's Story of Resilience 🌱 Did you know that one in six Americans is affected by food insecurity? At HelloFresh, we are committed to changing this statistic and ensuring fresh food is available and accessible to anyone in need. That's why we created LimeAid, a program designed to help individuals and families experiencing hardship or lack of food security. LimeAid allows neighbors, friends, or family members to nominate loved ones in need for a chance to win six months of free HelloFresh meals. One inspiring recipient of the LimeAid program is Sara Ariss, a Wisconsin native who unexpectedly faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Sara shared her story on GMA3 to discuss the stigma around food insecurity and how her own struggles inspired her to give back to her community. Despite the challenges she faced, Sara innovated the operations of local food pantries to better serve families like hers. Join us in applauding Sara's resilience and ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. To read more about Sara's journey, click here: https://lnkd.in/gV9BpQMR #FoodInsecurity #LimeAid #CommunitySupport #HelloFreshImpact

Today is #WorldFoodDay, an annual reminder that food insecurity and malnourishment remain a widespread issue. S:US remains steadfast in addressing food insecurity in New York City. Last year, we harvested an estimated 10,200 lbs. of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and honey from our farm and garden network. This year, we continued to expand our efforts by launching a new community fridge in the Bronx, ensuring that no New Yorker faces hunger. Our white paper, “Uniting on Food Justice: An Innovative Approach from a Health and Human Service Organization,” highlights the significant connection between food insecurity and wellness, emphasizing how the lack of access to nutritious food can worsen chronic conditions and mental health. By integrating food justice into our services, we aim to reduce the disparities in access to healthy food for the people we serve. Learn more about our food security initiatives by visiting https://buff.ly/43vrXDr

While I enthusiastically believe in the need for the services provided by food pantries and meal sites, it’s important to recognize their inadequacy. Without deliberate efforts to address the root causes of hunger, they simply maintain a system that leaves too many people without the food they need to thrive. Read more on the difference between fighting hunger and food justice on the Who Deserves to Eat blog: https://lnkd.in/g6VRgEWi #whodeservestoeat #endhunger #foodjustice

Who can really use a break on food prices? Schools, Lunch Programs and Community Food Groups. It's why teams like the PEI School Food Program Inc are members. If your food service organization needs help levelling the playing field on food costs, we can help. #UNIPCOmemberadvantage