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Food Insecurity & Hunger
Issue:
Hunger and food insecurity affected 10.5% of the U.S.households in 1998. USDA's report on Household Food Security inthe U.S., Economic Research Service (2000) indicated thatMarylanders are disportionately affected by food insecurity. In1996-1998 7.1% of Maryland's households were food insecure, with40% of these clustered Baltimore City. While urban poverty is aserious issue, Maryland's rural population also suffers fromserious lack of access to food resources. This issue especiallyaffects children.
Actions:
Several MCE programs including the Expanded Food and NutritionEducation Program (EFNEP), the Food Stamp Nutrition EducationProgram (FSNEP), and 4-H Youth Development are addressing foodinsecurity partnerships with Maryland and Capital Area Food Banks,among others. EFNEP helps its participants stretch the food dollar,make wise and healthy food choices and access other relevant publicassistance programs. Eighteen percent of FSNEP's activitiesaddressed the core area ÔFood Insecurity.' Both programs workexclusively with low-income participants in food insecurecommunities.
Impacts:
Impact of Extension programs is currently being evaluated.
Hunger and food insecurity affected 10.5% of the U.S.households in 1998. USDA's report on Household Food Security inthe U.S., Economic Research Service (2000) indicated thatMarylanders are disportionately affected by food insecurity. In1996-1998 7.1% of Maryland's households were food insecure, with40% of these clustered Baltimore City. While urban poverty is aserious issue, Maryland's rural population also suffers fromserious lack of access to food resources. This issue especiallyaffects children.
Actions:
Several MCE programs including the Expanded Food and NutritionEducation Program (EFNEP), the Food Stamp Nutrition EducationProgram (FSNEP), and 4-H Youth Development are addressing foodinsecurity partnerships with Maryland and Capital Area Food Banks,among others. EFNEP helps its participants stretch the food dollar,make wise and healthy food choices and access other relevant publicassistance programs. Eighteen percent of FSNEP's activitiesaddressed the core area ÔFood Insecurity.' Both programs workexclusively with low-income participants in food insecurecommunities.
Impacts:
Impact of Extension programs is currently being evaluated.
For more information, contact Richard Byrne
Last updated: 03/10/2009