Food-insecure population in need of long-term support

Food insecurity is a major issue facing children across the nation that has been significantly exacerbated by the economic effects of COVID -19. Feeding America reports the food insecure rate among children in the United States rose from 14.6 to 19.9 percent between 2019 and 2020.

In Albany County, it is estimated that 10.2 percent of families faced food insecurity in 2020. Further, this issue is experienced in greater precedence in Black, Latinx and Native American populations as compared to white non-hispanics.

Organizations that work to reduce food insecurity must be helped now more than ever during these unprecedented times. Organizations like the South End Children’s Café, which works to both collect and deliver food to families in need, should receive additional funding and donations to continue their efforts.

Food Pantries for the Capital District began organizing mass food distribution events in the wake of the pandemic that must be able to continue to alleviate food insecurity.

On a larger scale, to help children across America, it is imperative that bills like the Healthy Food Access For All

Americans Act from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D -Va., and others, be supported.

We need to continue to highlight this issue and encourage New York lawmakers to support local organizations and legislation that would implement long-term solutions for food insecurity, thereby mitigating the lasting impact of the pandemic.

Nadia Hill, MD Albany