We need a collective impact to end food insecurity

As quarantine began, my inbox flooded with requests for food deliveries and support for food banks. Although noble, this scramble for volunteers made it clear there was no system to ensure food access during crisis. As lines formed outside groceries stores, shelves were emptied, and items were rationed, food insecurity began to newly affect many people and those already vulnerable suffered more.

COVID-19 didn’t create food insecurity but it shines a glaring new light on an old problem—far too many people are experiencing food insecurity and suffering the consequences. In 2018, food insecurity affected 37.2 million people nationally and has been linked to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and mental illness. This problem especially hits home. Pittsburgh has a higher level of food insecurity than the national average with 1 in 5 (21.4%) residents affected. It also affects children, Black communities, and Hispanic communities at much higher rates leading to numerous health problems.

The amount of people suffering in our community is unacceptable. We must start developing better collaboration between local government and nonprofit agencies to create a collective impact. Organizations like the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council are utilizing community input to create systemic changes addressing food insecurity. Such organizations need greater financial support and coordination with local government to end food insecurity.

As a medical student, this pandemic has taught me many things but the importance of teamwork, coordination and dismantling institutional barriers to ensure food security is one that I could never learn in the classroom. ANNE McDERMOTT

Oakland