Food & Housing Insecurity

People experiencing housing and food insecurity are without a permanent residence and enough to eat. There is not one single cause of housing and food insecurity; some causes include insufficient income and lack of affordable housing. Housing insecurity may intersect with domestic violence or mental illness. Food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Prevalent in areas with large minority populations, food insecurity can be especially difficult in U.S. cities and rural areas. Europe is also experiencing a rise in food insecurity. Areas that experience high levels of poverty and unemployment may have higher rates of food insecurity. People who are most likely to be affected are children, the elderly, and ethnic minorities. For these populations, food insecurity can cause developmental delays and poor health, as well as educational setbacks. Food insecurity is an enormous problem in North Carolina. One in five children in NC is food insecure. To combat this local crisis, you may want to get involved in a food pantry and other food donation programs.