Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. These are a few of the holidays celebrated during the fall and winter seasons. They are generally a time in which families gather together and share an elegant meal. Normally, we would all see our families, but due to unprecedented events, the holiday meals may have to be held over Zoom calls. While this may seem like a detriment to the holiday joy, it pales in comparison to the struggles of the millions of Americans that are confronted with hunger and food insecurity.
As of early October, 54 million Americans are faced with food insecurity, and the number has only skyrocketed as the holidays approach. Four in ten Americans say they are struggling to put food on the table. We often forget the fact that while we may be upset that we won't see our favorite cousin this holiday season, so many families don’t even know where their next meal is coming from. Families are forced to choose between buying food, paying rent, or accessing necessary medical services. The dramatic job losses due to COVID-19 mostly affected individuals who worked in low-wage jobs, which has played a major role in the rise of food insecurity. Families who were already relying on food stamps and food banks have only been hit harder, and volunteers at food banks say they are overwhelmed by the hundreds of cars lining up each day; food banks also would not be able to provide buffet style meals this holiday season. Unfortunately, many food banks are rejecting volunteers to maintain COVID-19 guidelines. In addition to the sorrowful reality that many families will continue to go hungry this holiday season, they will also likely develop serious health conditions as a result of food insecurity, including heart conditions or diabetes.
“Feeding America”’s evaluations predict that 17 million Americans could become food insecure during the pandemic along with 18 million children; these numbers will only be added to the pre-existing 37 million hungry Americans. Furthermore, the price of nutritious food is very high, meaning that these families or individuals can only purchase low quality food that is harmful to their health. This issue particularly affects Latino communities that have been inordinately affected by the pandemic and include many individuals and families that immigrated illicitly, and are therefore ineligible for government relief programs.
In addition to the sorrowful reality that many families will continue to go hungry this holiday season, they will also likely develop serious health conditions as a result of food insecurity. The fact of the matter is that food insecurity and hunger was already a major problem in the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, and that families were already struggling during the holidays. The staggering number of cases, deaths, and job losses have only caused more harm. The truth remains that the United States is going to see a spike in hungry Americans in the upcoming holidays. Food is a basic human need and a human right.
To support these communities, please consider donating any non-expired and packaged food or money to your local food banks or even volunteering your time to aid local families.
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Written by: Ayat Younis