All About Hunger Month
Dear Friend,
Throughout the pandemic and earlier, Ceres has been a fierce advocate for increasing food and nutrition security. September is Hunger Action Month – a time to focus on this critical health issue. We want to share with you a short series of articles we wrote last September which focus on the systemic issues around food insecurity, and also want to highlight some food and hunger wins from the past year.
COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for a lot of important policy change, especially in regard to food.
In July, California passed a ground-breaking new law making free breakfast and lunch universally available to all students in every school, regardless of household income. This will make a huge difference for a vast number of families, while reducing stigma around school meals and improving educational outcomes for students.
In August, the US Department of Agriculture permanently increased SNAP benefits by 25% in the largest benefit increase in the program’s history. The average person will receive an additional $35 per month, meaning 1 in 8 Americans will have more to buy nutritious food for their families.
Finally, in January of 2022, California’s Medicaid health plans will be able to offer – and pay for – medically tailored meals and medically supportive foods for their members. This means that millions of people across the state can receive meals like ours during a serious or chronic health challenge.
Bit by bit, the dial is being moved in the right direction to ensure that every Californian has sufficient access to nutritious food, and we are proud to be a part of this effort. This Hunger Action Month, learn more about how hunger impacts your neighbors and become an advocate yourself.
Sincerely,
Reilly Briggs
Policy Coordinator
Hunger Is Not A Personal Problem
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, food and nutrition insecurity is on the rise in the US and globally. Ceres Community Project is committed to fighting hunger because we understand the impact that it has on health and well-being for so many of our neighbors...READ MORE
The costs of hunger might surprise you – from shorter lifespans and higher health care costs to lower high school graduation rates and lifetime earnings. As a society, we simply can’t continue under-investing in food and nutrition support. Beyond the clear moral case, it just doesn’t make sense for everything from national security to economic productivity...READ MORE
From food deserts, to hunger in marginalized communities, hunger is an issue that affects some people more than others.
A food desert is a geographic area that doesn’t have a grocery store carrying a full range of fresh, affordable healthy food options that’s easy and convenient for residents to visit. Due to a legacy of redlining, a historic practice of denying...READ MORE