In their own words: Neighbors facing hunger share their experiences

9 in 10 neighbors facing hunger are concerned things could get worse. | [Feeding America.]( [LEARN MORE]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Elevating Voices: Insights Report 2023.]( Here's one thing your neighbors who are facing hunger want you to know: It's going to take more than food to end hunger in America. Feeding America just released a report on the concerns, hopes, and ideas of people experiencing hunger in our communities: the Elevating Voices Insights Report. We spoke to more than one thousand members of the community to understand the challenges they face in getting enough food, and to hear in their own words what would help. To end hunger, we must listen to the people experiencing it. So I want to take some time to share what we learned with you. “ As much as you work, the system is set up for you to continue in a cycle of food insecurity." — Jennifer, Wisconsin Hunger is about more than just food. Hunger is directly tied to economic well-being, and that came through loud and clear in what our neighbors shared. People we spoke to pointed to the high cost of housing, low wages and having a disability as reasons they have trouble getting enough food. For many of our neighbors, it's extremely difficult to get to a grocery store because stores are few and far between, and in the stores they can reach, fruits and vegetables aren't affordable. “ It takes a lot out of you to have to go and ask for help to be able to feed your children." — Keisha, Oklahoma High food prices and inflation are making it difficult for people in our communities to afford the food they need to thrive. More than 8 in 10 neighbors facing hunger believe that inflation and higher prices are contributing to the hunger crisis. And even more—90% of people surveyed—are concerned that things could get worse. Neighbors told us that inflation combined with the end of pandemic-era food assistance have made it increasingly difficult for them to get enough food. “ At the end of the day, these people know what needs to change because they are experiencing the pain of these things not being changed." — Jacqueline, California The vast majority of our neighbors who are facing hunger say this is an urgent crisis—and Congress needs to act like it. Despite headlines about the improving economy and lower unemployment rates, almost 9 in 10 community members we spoke to said elected officials at every level must do more to reduce hunger in America. Almost everyone agreed that Congress should make it easier for kids and families to get food assistance when they need it; for example by simplifying access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and National School Lunch Program. [You can read and share the 2023 Elevating Voices: Insights Report—and join the movement to end hunger by volunteering, donating and advocating for a strong, bipartisan 2023 Farm Bill.]( No one wants to end hunger more than many of our neighbors who face it on a daily basis—that's why their voices must be centered in anti-hunger policies and programs. Let's listen, and let's get to work. [Rajesh signature.] [Rajesh Headshot.] Rajesh Mirchandani Chief Communications & Community Engagement Officer Feeding America [facebook link]( [twitter link]( [instagram link]( [FeedingAmerica.org]( | [Donate Now]( | [Contact Us]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe]( 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700 | Chicago, IL 60601 | 1-800-910-5524 © 2023 Feeding America