Food Insecurity Verses Hunger

When you open your refrigerator what do you see? Most of us will have the basics: eggs, milk, bread and others refrigerators might be well stocked. You know what it’s like to think to yourself, “I’m hungry.” The thought quickly fades because food is available for your consumption. However, there are refrigerators that are empty. In most instances, an empty refrigerator means that we have not gone grocery shopping. Unfortunately for others, refrigerators are empty because people don't have the money to purchase food or they don’t have access to nutritious food. According to data provided by, Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, one (1) out of seven (7) people in the United States struggles with hunger. Often food insecurity and hunger are used interchangeably, so what’s the difference between food insecurity verses hunger? The USDA’s definition of food insecurity and hunger:

• “Food insecurity is a household-level economic and social condition of limited access to food

• Hunger is an individual level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity.”

Ertharin Cousins, the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, in my opinion, provides the most comprehensive and basic definitions that we all can understand. She defines food insecurity as, "not knowing where your next meal is coming from, that you are not necessarily hungry today, but you don't know where you are getting food tomorrow." Cousins goes on to say that, "hunger is when food is not available, or you have no money to buy food and you don't eat."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/ertharin-cousin-davos_n_6507492.html Unknowingly, one of our "Nourish the Need" recipient definite food insecurity based on her own personal experiences: http://www.lopprograms.org/#!lop-programs/bh78n No one should go hungry or feel insecure about their next meal. You have the opportunity to give food and bring joy to children by donating today at www.LOPprograms.org.

Let’s All Eat Together!