An estimated 34 million Americans, including 9 million children are affected by food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as the condition of not having access to sufficient food or food of adequate quality to meet an individual’s basic needs. A number of factors increase the risk of food insecurity, including low income, unemployment, and disability. When there is little or no money to buy food, there is a greater chance of food insecurity, increasing the risk of additional health issues and difficult decisions about where to spend money, such as food or rent, and leaving many individuals at risk for their lives.

Reference: Feeding America

https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america

“Although food waste totals 35 million tons in the United States, these 34 million individuals continue to struggle. Additionally, $165 billion worth of food is wasted every year, which could be utilized to help disadvantaged households. With the number of people who struggle to even access or acquire meals, it is important to keep food waste in mind when making personal decisions, such as letting food spoil or buying an abundance of food that is going to be potential waste. We can reduce the number of individuals living in food insecurity by aiming to raise awareness of the problem, advocate for those in need, and assist in the provision of meals to those who are hungry”.