The number of Americans who are food insecure, meaning they can’t always afford to eat, soared last year, according to new government data. Although the economy thrived in 2022, access to food remained a constant struggle for many Americans.

The consequences of food insecurity can be severe. Hungry people are more likely to experience health problems, such as malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases. They are also more likely to have difficulty concentrating in school or at work and to experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. This will then often cause an increase in crime as those affected turn to desperate acts to meet this basic need, according to a Clemson study.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/ publications/ 107703/err- 325. pdf?v=6601) food insecurity spiked to a level not seen since the U.S. economy was slowly recovering from the 2010 financial crisis – nationally, and here in Nederland. U.S. households who can’t reliably afford food rose to 12.8% from 10.2% (a 25% jump!). Across Colorado, 2 in 10 can’t afford nutritious meals. This mirrors what we’ve seen in our mountain community as well.

Per the USDA’s definition, food insecurity means that, at times during the year, a household cannot acquire enough food for one or more of its members because they don’t have enough money or resources. It generally means households rely on a few fundamental foods and reduce variety in their diets.

Those with “very low” food security, 6.8 million U.S. households in 2022, eat less food and skip meals. In homes with children, adults go without so that the kids can eat.

Stubbornly high inflation rates, steep increases in housing and heating costs, and the disappearance of pandemic-era benefits have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable in Nederland.

Nationally, among U.S. households with children, 17.3% are food insecure, up nearly five percentage points from last year – the highest since 2014.

The numbers are also higher for those families with kids under six years old (17%) - where parents are more constrained by costly childcare. Single mothers head 33% of those households. Additionally, 4.1 million more children are living in food-insecure homes last year than in 2021.

The disappearance of pandemic-era supports like the child tax credit devastated these families. We are seeing this at the Nederland Food Pantry. When times are tight, it is often “easiest” to cut back on food. If you don’t pay the rent or mortgage, you don’t have a place to live. If you don’t put gas in the car, you can’t get to work. Food is what folks cut back on when they have to tighten their belts even more.

This is an inflation story, too. And not just in food prices, which were up more than 10% in 2022, energy prices and rents soared, too. While some SNAP benefits were increased in 2022, this only prevented the picture from worsening.

While there has been a significant growth in pay for the lowest-wage workers, those at the bottom still don’t earn much. And they are severely burdened by housing costs here in Ned. 47% of us spend 30% or more of their income on rent. Take away government support and increase food prices, and you have our current developing crisis.

Factor in the possibility of a government shutdown in November and the pattern of some members of Congress looking to make further cuts to food benefits. Remember, that happened last time lawmakers brokered a deal to keep the government running.

Despite the worsening trends, you can help right here in our community. Please scan this QR code or visit https:// nederlandfoodpantry.org/donations and join the Nederland Food Pantry in the fight against food insecurity here in our mountain community.

As we enter the Holiday season, those of us thankful for our circumstances can directly help those who need a hand right now. Seventeen million people (13%) in America experienced food insecurity at some point this year. The Nederland Food Pantry will help support 9,000 families this year in the Peak to Peak region, including providing a Thanksgiving and holiday meal for those who may not be able to afford otherwise.

Unfortunately, food insecurity will worsen before it gets better, but together, we can help each other thrive.