By FRED GLASS & NEIL STEFFENS
Guest Columnists
Glass
Steffens
The faces of hunger may surprise you. Many who need assistance are middle-class families, the working poor, children, and the elderly. No one should suffer from a lack of access to quality and nutritious food – but they do.
In fact, close to 1 million Hoosiers need food assistance. Food insecurity can dash the aspirations of children, and lead parents and other adults to make difficult compromises about what bills to pay and what other needs to meet. With one in 10 Hoosiers facing hunger in central Indiana alone, we must come together to optimize equitable access to nutritious food for those facing hunger and strive to overcome the conditions causing food insecurity.
In an era marked by a convergence of challenges, from economic disparities to health crises, the issue of food insecurity stands as a reminder of the inequalities that persist in our communities. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope as we enter National Nutrition Month this March. This hope emerges when we join forces, combine resources, expertise, and compassion to tackle complex issues head-on.
When two local organizations like Gleaners Food Bank and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield unite, we can make a profound impact in addressing the correlation between food insecurity and overall health in our region.
Our ongoing partnership in the community underscores a fundamental truth: the fight against hunger requires collective action and unwavering dedication. With the increasing and sustained need and the decline in government support, this partnership is more important than ever. The demand for food assistance across Gleaners 21-county service area, rural and urban alike, remains alarmingly high and now chronically exceeding pandemic levels.
Food insecurity, a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide, refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It encompasses various dimensions, including the inability to afford nutritious food, limited access to grocery stores or markets, and inadequate information about healthy eating practices.
Food insecurity can lead to serious consequences, both immediate and long-term, impacting individuals, families, and communities. Immediate effects may include hunger, malnutrition, and compromised physical and mental health. Long-term consequences can range from developmental delays in children to chronic health conditions in adults, exacerbating inequalities and hindering economic and social progress.
However, when we collaborate to address the whole health of individuals, families, and communities, we can enact meaningful change and provide vital support to those in need. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, we can amplify impact, reach underserved populations, and create sustainable solutions. From food banks and community organizations to government agencies and corporations, collective efforts play a crucial role in expanding access to nutritious food, an essential part of maintaining one’s health and improving overall health outcomes.
By fostering partnerships grounded in shared goals and values, we can address the root causes of food insecurity, promote resilience, and empower individuals and communities to build healthier, happier futures.
Research has clearly shown a direct correlation between food insecurity and overall health. A Feeding America study found an additional $1 billion in healthcare costs directly related to food insecurity and its effect on health in Indiana alone. We are not merely addressing immediate hunger needs; we are helping to alleviate poverty and investing in the long-term health and well-being of our communities. By promoting access to healthy, nutritious food, we continue to lay the foundation for more resilient communities.
It is crucial that we continue to harness this momentum, champion partnerships and programs that prioritize food insecurity and ensure everyone has equitable access to nourishing food. As we honor National Nutrition Month, let’s recommit ourselves to fortifying communities and ensuring that all individuals have the chance to flourish, regardless of their circumstances.
Fred Glass is President & CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and Neil Steffens is Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s East Region Medicare President which includes Indiana.