Feeding America defines food insecurity as when a family, in the past 12 months, has worried that their food would run out before they had money to buy more. In Allen County alone, approximately 14% of our population is food insecure, including children. In fact households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without children. Many individuals face spending trade-offs that lead to food insecurity (housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation). Research also shows that, food-insecure individuals are more likely to have chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, resulting in higher healthcare costs.
With this knowledge and awareness of the need within our community, The St. Joe Foundation will advance the following goal: Food-insecure individuals will have access to nutritious, culturally appropriate, and affordable food options, as well as opportunities to build knowledge about nutrition and healthy cooking techniques.
Some of the strategies the St. Joe Foundation supports include:
- Double Up Indiana | SNAP Incentive program
- HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) | Info on Our Healing Kitchen grants, HEAL farm markets
- Vulnerable Populations Report | Local data on food insecurity and food deserts
In addition, area organizations may apply for a grant from the Foundation to empower more food-insecure individuals to access and use nutritious, local food. Learn more about the Foundation’s work in this area through our Food Insecurity Community Reports and Grantee Stories.
