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What is....food insecurity?

According to The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Feeding America gives insight to the issue of food insecurity in rural communities.  

"People who live in rural areas often face hunger at higher rates, in part because of the unique challenges living remotely presents. These challenges include an increased likelihood of food deserts with the nearest food pantry or food bank potentially hours away, job opportunities that are more concentrated in low-wage industries and higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. This can make hunger in rural areas a unique challenge:

  • 2.3 million households in rural communities face hunger

  • Rural communities make up 63% of counties in the United States and 78% of counties with the highest rates of overall food insecurity.

  • 84% of the counties with the highest percentage of children at risk for food insecurity are rural"

SITES TO EXPLORE:

Feeding America

Mizzou News

Missouri Kids Count

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