How stigma gets in the way of good health
The first time Ronda set foot in the Food Bank, she fought the urge to cry. She was overwhelmed with the feeling that she “didn’t belong” and was taking resources from people who might need the food more. Food Bank staff and volunteers often hear (or see) this concern when working in our no-cost markets. […]
Financial hardship versus poverty and why it matters to us
Not everyone who uses the Food Bank qualifies for government assistance or meets an official definition of “low income.” Food insecurity is a complicated issue, and a symptom of many broader ranging problems, like systemic poverty and high living costs. To help ensure all people have access to nutrition, food banks remain critical to addressing […]
The difference between hunger and food insecurity
We use the term “food insecurity” on purpose. It is different from “hunger.” What is hunger?Hunger is an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity. It is a physical feeling of discomfort or weakness that results from not consuming enough food. Hunger can become chronic if a person doesn’t regularly consume enough calories […]
How FBLC addresses food disparities among Latino populations
National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15; it is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries. […]
Food Insecurity is Particularly Devastating for Children
Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems. Food insecurity is a symptom of historical and structural […]
Inequities Faced by People of Color Impact Food Security
Everyone deserves access to reliable food. However, some communities in our country struggle with food insecurity. Black communities are disproportionately affected due to systemic racism and economic inequality. The estimated prevalence of food insecurity for Black, non-Hispanic households was higher than the national average due to health disparities exacerbated by forms of racial discrimination. During […]
Food Insecure Situations That Might Surprise You
Food insecurity is a complex issue that affects more than 50,000 in Larimer County. That means people—including some you know personally—regularly experience fear and anxiety about whether they will go to bed hungry or have to choose between paying their bills or buying food. But what is food insecurity, exactly? According to Feeding America, it’s […]
What does the Term “Food Insecurity” Actually Mean?
The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. But what does that actually mean?
SNAP Benefits Boost the Local Economy
Most find it easy to see how SNAP benefits the person and family receiving them: food on the table they likely would not have otherwise. However, the ways SNAP benefits all people in the community by boosting the local economy remains largely unknown.
