Food insecurity is a public health crisis that affects people around the world and we know hunger exists in every ZIP code in the US.
Our major cities, like Philadelphia, experience many of these issues on an acute scale. Considering the fact that individuals affected by food insecurity are disproportionately affected by chronic, diet-sensitive diseases, it is an even more poignant concern.
Moreover, food insecurity is linked to grievous, adverse impacts on childhood development. Child food insecurity negatively impacts children’s mental and physical health and is associated with poor academic achievement.
Granted that academic achievement is a primary determinant of future economic success, food insecurity is a root problem.
With that said, it is possible to donate to charities that make a difference, and there are charities in Philadelphia that are working tirelessly to combat this public crisis within local communities.
Philadelphia Food Insecurity Facts
Despite its vibrant community, Philadelphia is not a city without its challenges, and many of them have to do with food insecurity. Consider the following stats:
- Philadelphia food insecurity rates are on the rise; in 2022, 1 in 9 people in the service area of Philabundance (a charity in Philadelphia) were affected by food insecurity.
- According to Feeding America, despite the fact that the average cost of a meal in Philadelphia County is only $3.78, the annual food budget shortfall is over $150 million.
Despite these concerning statistics, anyone, from any walk of life – from anywhere in the country – can make a difference.
Every Little Bit Counts: How to Make a Difference
To help combat food insecurity in your area, consider getting involved with local charities in Philadelphia.
A great way to get involved is with a donation to a local charity like Philabundance. This is one of the charities that makes a difference in their community. Philabundance, a Feeding America partner, is the largest food bank in the Philadelphia region and distributes food across a nine-county service area through over 370 community partners.
Philabundance’s impact can be measured by a variety of factors. Check out their 2023 highlights:
- They delivered over 43 million meals across their service area. This was the third year in a row in which they have exceeded 41 million meals distributed.
- They serve over 98,000 people per week.
- They have kid-focused programs to target food insecurity among children, and have delivered 218,000 meals to children.
- Philabundance doesn’t just feed; they’ve also graduated over 1,000 students from the Philabundance Community Kitchen job training program since its start and helped them find local employment.
While a donation to a charity that makes a difference helps in its own right, there are other ways to get involved, too.
Advocating for change, hosting a food drive, and volunteering your time are all great ways to support organizations like Philabundance. Visit their website to learn more about what opportunities are available.
Get Started with a Donation to Charities That Make a Difference
The first step in supporting local charities is a commitment to action, and that starts with you. Make a contribution today. Give what you can, any support helps in the fight against hunger.
If you’re looking for more information about charities in Philadelphia, how they change their communities for the better, how to donate, or how else to get involved, check out Philabundance (links above in article) today or get in touch with them directly; they’d be thrilled to hear from community members that want to make a change for the better.
