By Mike Lazear: PIC Current Assistant Producer
Food. It’s something most of us in this country have taken for granted.
We grew up in a society where there was always plenty to eat. Starving people lived on other continents, like Africa. We consumed more and more, feeling sheltered from idea of hunger. Unfortunately, it seems like that is changing.
According to the Agriculture Department, about one in nine Americans were considered “food insecure” in 2007. “Food insecure” means someone has difficulty getting enough food to maintain basic nutritional needs.
About 4% of these people are so food-insecure that they may skip meals and skip shopping where necessary in order to conserve resources. This is not a pleasant place to be, and it is becoming increasingly common. This is an especially big problem for many families with children and/or working-class families.
Certain areas of the country seem to have more trouble with food insecurity. There is a large correlation between areas of higher poverty and areas where people are having difficulty getting enough to eat. In general, the problem is worse in the deep south. But the issue hits people almost everywhere in the country.
There are ways to combat this trap, but they take some careful planning. Here are some things you can do if you find yourself in the terrible predicament of having to choose between paying the bills and eating well:
- Check out our article on easy-to-prepare healthy food alternatives that are also cheaper. It is much less expensive to cook than it is to buy packaged food. It is healthier too.
- If you are a member of a low-income family, look into food stamp possibilities. This can be a potentially lifesaving alternative when “buying cheap” is not always an option.
- Create a food budget for yourself. Like any other financial consideration, it is important to consider your food as an expense. Do a one-month trial and record what you spent on food. Just to be safe, estimate about 20% more for the next month, and make this your food budget.
Our sister site, the Beehive, has a great section of resources to help you eat healthy.
For more information:
Do you qualify for food stamps?
