United States Food Distribution

The state of hunger in America has been especially poor recently, and the pandemic is only making it worse, leading to more people facing hunger and potential homelessness on a regular basis. Plus, the situation is only bound to get worse as colder weather continues to approach. Below we take a look at how hunger is currently impacting the US.

Hunger Statistics in America 2021 and looking into 2022

• More than 38 million people, including 12 million children, are food insecure, according to the USDA.
• Families face hunger in every community in the country, especially rural ones. In fact, 15% of people in rural areas are hungry because they often don’t have access to grocery stores or transportation.
• Contrary to popular belief, food insecure people are more prone to obesity. Limited transportation and lack of nearby grocery stores force many to shop at places that sell mostly packaged and prepared foods that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.
• Many households experiencing food insecurity don’t qualify for federal nutrition programs, forcing them to visit local food banks and other programs for support.
• African American, Native American, and Latino communities suffer higher rates of hunger because of systemic racism.
• According to a new study published by Temple University and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, a staggering 36 percent of college students are food insecure. Plus, it’s more prevalent among college students of color—up to 57%.
• 60% of households led by older Americans must choose between buying groceries or paying utility bills.

How Embrace Relief Provides Hunger Relief in the US

This past year, we reached 320 families in Montclair, Hackensack, Orange, and East Orange, New Jersey with Harvest Trolley, our unique, brand-new mobile market. Harvest Trolley literally brings a “supermarket” directly to people facing hunger, regardless of race, age, or sex. Also, in 2020, we distributed around 5,000 food packages to families in America, but there are still so many more who need help! So, please donate today to help supply food to thousands more people struggling to find their next meal.