By Andi Anderson
According to the National Hunger Survey Report for 2023 by Hunger Free America, over 11% of Indiana's population, approximately 742,000 people, faced food insecurity between 2020 and 2022.
Food insecurity, officially recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture, isn't just a lack of food but also uncertainty about the next meal. This affects over 13% of Indiana's children, about 8% of employed adults, and nearly 7% of elderly residents.
The survey found a staggering 36% surge in Hoosiers experiencing inadequate food from 2021 to 2023.
This rise is attributed, in part, to the expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Simultaneously, essential expenses like rent, healthcare, and fuel have been on the rise.
The report calls for urgent action from government leaders at all levels to address the serious issue of hunger across Indiana's regions.
Additionally, the survey highlighted concerning rates of nonparticipation in vital aid programs like SNAP, WIC, and school breakfast programs. In 2018, a quarter of eligible SNAP beneficiaries didn't receive assistance. WIC saw a 39% nonparticipation rate in 2021, while the school breakfast program had the highest rate at 58% during the 2021-2022 school year.
Efforts to improve access to aid programs and align eligibility criteria with national standards are crucial to alleviate hunger for many families striving to make ends meet in Indiana.
Photo Credit: pexels-denise-nys
Categories: Indiana, General