Food insecurity affects communities nationwide, but its impact is disproportionately felt in rural areas. To combat this issue, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) is partnering with Feeding America to ensure that more Americans have access to healthy meals.
In a recent conversation, Linda Nageotte , President and CEO of Feeding America, and Dru Montri, Vice President of Agri-Food Engagement, discussed the critical issue of food insecurity. They highlighted a new partnership with the National Association of Farm Broadcasters to combat the disproportionate impact of hunger on rural communities.
The Alarming Reality of Hunger
Nageotte pointed out that hunger is a pervasive issue, with “over 47 million people in America who are experiencing food insecurity, including 13 million children.” She stressed that food insecurity rates in rural areas are often much higher than in urban centers. “We know that in many rural communities, child food insecurity rates can be as high as nearly 50%,” she stated.
To address this need, Feeding America is collaborating with its extensive network of “200-plus food banks [and] over 60,000 faith-based and community-based organizations that all work together to ensure that people facing hunger have access to the nutritious food that they need.”
The Role of Farmers and Community
Montri explained that their network works with farmers “every day, across commodities and across scales.” He emphasized that a key part of the solution is community involvement. “We’re encouraging you to reach out to your local food banks to see how you can get involved,” he said.
You can also find out how to help by listening to your local radio stations or by visiting NAFBhunger.com.
