What is Food Insecurity?

Welcome to the first of four Act Against Hunger emails. September is Hunger Action Month, a good time to raise awareness about hunger and food and nutrition security.

Each week’s email includes:

• Learning opportunities.
• Ways to help support food and nutrition security.
• Resources if you or someone you know needs help.

What is food insecurity?

Having access to nutritious food is critical to practicing healthy behaviors around nutrition.

According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the U.S. are food insecure. We often hear the phrase "food insecurity" but what does it mean and how prevalent is it in our campus community?

Food insecurity is a lack of consistent availability, affordability and access to enough nutrient dense food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time.

Did you know?

• Approximately 35,650 (9.6%) of residents in Washtenaw County are food insecure.
• It affects those right here on campus as well:
  • Of those U-M employees who screened positive for food insecurity, the majority reported moderate to high health risks.
  • In addition to health risks, food insecurity has many negative consequences on employees. It can impact on their holistic well-being and their ability to thrive at work. It can also result in absenteeism, low productivity and performance.
  • According to the Maize and Blue Cupboard, more than 30% of students experience food insecurity in some way.

Need help?

• Maize and Blue Cupboard - The Maize and Blue Cupboard’s mission is to ensure that no one goes without at U-M. This food pantry provides U-M faculty, staff and students that have an immediate need with healthy, nutritious and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.
• MHealthy's Resource Coach Program - One-on-one, confidential assistance is available to you through MHealthy’s Resource Coach program. Get help with locating the right resources at U-M and in your community for finding food, meeting basic needs and more.

Want to help?

• Maize and Blue Cupboard - Support MBC by donating goods, funds or volunteering your time. To make a food or good donation, drop off directly to the MBC. Donation bins are also available throughout the month of September in university units and departments across campus. Contact your Champion to see if there is a donation bin in your area.
• Act Against Hunger Quiz - Raise your awareness by taking this short, five-question quiz. Faculty and staff can then enter to win a free produce basket from Argus Farm Stop. Enter by September 30.
• The Food and Nutrition Security web page on the MHealthy website includes a number of resources to raise your awareness; donate funds, food or your time; and more.