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 in the U.S., Economic Research Service (2000) indicated that Marylanders are disportionately affected by food insecurity. In 1996-1998, 7.1% of Maryland's households were food insecure, with 40% of these clustered Baltimore City. While urban poverty is a serious issue, Maryland's rural population also suffers from serious lack of access to food resources. This issue especially affects children.

Actions:

Several UME programs including the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP), and 4-H Youth Development are addressing food insecurity 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 public assistance programs. Eighteen percent of FSNEP's activities addressed the core area of Food Insecurity. Both programs work exclusively with low-income participants in food insecure communities.

Impacts:

Impact of Extension programs is currently being evaluated.

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For more information, contact Richard Byrne

Last updated: 11/13/2009