Bread for the World’s Post

Local & Regional News Food desert elimination grant combats food insecurity in Arkansas KUAR | By Sophia Nourani / KUAF Published September 17, 2024 at 3:55 PM CDT A new study conducted by the federal department of agriculture, or the USDA, has identified Arkansas as the most food insecure state in the country. With almost 20% of the state lacking resources to feed their household, Arkansas has a significantly higher rate of hunger than the national average of 12%. There is a food desert in every county in Arkansas. What’s a food desert? According to the USDA, it’s a term used to describe a region with a large number of households facing low incomes, inadequate access to transportation and a limited number of food retailers providing fresh, affordable produce. In a rural state like Arkansas, these types of areas are common to find. And while residents may be growing food in these farming-driven communities, CEO of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s Sylvia Blain said the food isn’t for the farmers. https://lnkd.in/gMNqVd8q

According to Food and Agriculture Organization, food security is when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Today and every day, let's raise our voices against insecurity and its devastating impact on food security! 🌱 As we enjoy our meals, let's remember those who go hungry due to poverty, conflict and violence. Let's stand in solidarity with farmers who struggle to cultivate their land amidst fear and uncertainty. Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and lives in peace. Let's make a difference! Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can address insecurity and promote food security. Let's start a conversation! Imagine if you or your loved ones had to go hungry due to circumstances beyond your control. Let's show empathy and support to those affected. Happy weekend #FoodSecurityMatters #PeaceForFood #SDG2 #SDG16 #ZeroHunger #EndConflict

A call 2 action to food producers , ensure sustainability, security in food systems to combat this food insecurity crisis. After reading this report I asked myself , what part am I playing? Am I all talk and no impact?

“Food insecurity is at an all-time high and still on the rise in Southeastern Minnesota. We know this because Channel One distributed 77% more food in April than we did last year, and our food shelf, the second largest in the state, is experiencing steep increases in demand year-over-year, including a doubling of new households seeking assistance. This is after Minnesotans visited food shelves more than 7.5 million times in 2023, the most on record. It is unsustainable, and without state and federal support, more of our neighbors will go hungry. For that reason, we need a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that invests in proven anti-hunger programs at the federal level, including both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act summary released by Chair Stabenow last week acknowledges the benefits of both programs by keeping SNAP whole and making much needed investments in TEFAP. We encourage our federal delegation to do whatever they can as negotiations continue to prioritize these programs, which will help us fight hunger throughout Greater Minnesota.” -Virginia Witherspoon Merritt, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director

The COVID-19 pandemic increased food insecurity, with Rhode Island's insecurity hitting a 20 year high.  Multiple policy responses addressed this at the time, like the CARES Act which combatted hunger and supported food access programs across the state. However, funding has since run out, and Rhode Islanders are once again experiencing increased levels of food insecurity, along with an increase in food costs. MPA Grace Feisthamel explores the sustainability of impactful policy solutions and presents recommendations for addressing hunger. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e2KNQ-9B #CornellPolicyReview #CornellMPA #GovernmentAndPolitics #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #CARESAct #RhodeIsland 

🌱 Are our farms safe havens or silent threats? 💭🌱 In the battle against lead poisoning in ruminants, the battleground extends beyond the fields to the very fibers of our farming practices. How can we ensure that our farms, meant to nourish and sustain, don't unwittingly harbor dangers that jeopardize the health of our livestock? Let's ignite dialogue and explore strategies to fortify our agricultural landscapes against this insidious threat. Join the discourse! #LeadPoisoning #FarmSafety #Biosecurity #Ruminants 🚜🔒🐏

The US Congress is about a year behind in authorizing a major piece of Federal legislation called the Farm Bill. Despite the name, this massive piece of policy impacts every American through the food we eat. However, advocates agree that no farm bill is better than a bad farm bill! Of course two drafts of the Farm Bill have now been released, one from the Senate called The Rural Prosperity And Food Security Act and one from the House called the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. Advocates are reviewing each version and are seeking to inform the public on the differences between them and how well each bill supports the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Here's what Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief agency in the US, has to say. https://lnkd.in/ePh9dYc5

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is urging farmers to be aware of the causes of lead poisoning as herds go out to pasture. Here's a short video to explain more. #OnFarmPoisoning #FoodStandardsScotland

How prepared are we as a nation and or as the continent to face a looming food shortage? Follow and ready my next detailed article on the question. #Foodsecurity #Smallholderfarmer #climatechange Microvest Ug

🌍✨ Today, on Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the resilience and rich cultural heritage of Native American and tribal communities. However, we must also confront the stark reality they face—higher rates of food insecurity than any other racial group. Many tribal reservations are isolated from grocery stores, limiting access to fresh produce and nutritious foods. Instead, residents often rely on convenience stores and gas stations that offer minimal healthy options. This not only disrupts traditional food practices but has also contributed to significant health challenges. The U.S. government has historically provided foods that do not align with Native diets, leading to a cycle of dependency on processed foods. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time for Congress to respect Native food sovereignty and empower tribal governments to administer food programs directly to their communities. By removing burdensome restrictions in the next farm bill, we can help Native communities regain control over their food systems. 🔗 Take action now! Tell Congress to support the rights of Native peoples to self-govern and to thrive. Allow tribal governments to manage food programs and ensure access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods that are locally grown. Together, we can help pave the way for healthier, more sustainable futures for Indigenous communities. 👉 ADD YOUR NAME https://lnkd.in/eusPGUpT #IndigenousPeoplesDay #FoodSovereignty #NativeAmericanRights #EndFoodInsecurity #SupportTribalCommunities