What is Food Insecurity? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Unemployment, underemployment and the high cost of housing are some of the reasons that cause food insecurity in our community. According to Feeding America, on Long Island 1 in 4 adults face food insecurity; 36% who are food insecure are not eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; approximately 79,000 people who are food insecure are children. Our local parish outreach programs are a major resource families turn to in order to put food on the table.
During the last quarter of 2021, food banks around Long Island were starting to see a decline in the need for emergency food assistance. Unfortunately, with the rising inflation rate – close to 8% on Long Island, there has been an increase in need for emergency food. The forecast is for a rising need for assistance, food and spiritual support for our neighbors.
“There are many families working in our community and they do not qualify for SNAP benefits -- they are struggling to purchase the basic necessities. They are the new clients of our parish outreach.” Paula Malloy, Director of PSM, Catholic Charities of Long Island.
Your donation to the Catholic Ministries Appeal supports Catholic Charities pastoral programs to bring care and love to those in need. Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry provides support and resources to local parish social ministry efforts on Long Island through several programs.
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