Food Advice for Daily Life
When you are hungry or worried about food it can be difficult to participate in the activities that you need and want to do. This can include:
- Focusing in school
- Work responsibilities
- Preparing balanced meals
- Managing financial resources
- Enjoying your hobbies
F.U.E.L supports food security through online tools, connection with resources and guides on how to use, eat and learn about your food.
Our Vision
To enhance food security
Our Mission
To increase food security, reduce hunger and build a healthier college community through the use of occupations.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is defined as “uncertain or limited access to adequate food resources” (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2020a, para. 14). Food insecurity is also related to difficulty accessing, obtaining, and managing food resources (Coleman-Jensen et al., 2015).
In other words, food insecurity can result in food insecurity can lead to “decreased variety, quality or desirability of diet with little to no reduction in food intake” (USDA, 2020a, para. 4). In some cases food insecurity can also lead to reduced food intake, disrupted eating patterns and hunger (USDA, 2020a, para.5).
Access to sufficient and nutritious foods one of several basic needs that support a person’s participation in meaningful daily activities.
Food insecurity is not an issue that occurs in isolation and is impacted by access to economic opportunities, local markets, safe housing, education and health care services (United States Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2020b).
“Feeding America projects that 42 million people (1 in 8), including 13 million children (1 in 6), may experience food
insecurity in 2021″
(Feeding America, 2021, p.1).
Food Security Programs Today
Federal, state and local resources are available to support individuals who may be experiencing food insecurity.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and USDA are responsible for operating programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school lunch programs.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which can be used to purchase food at grocery stores or select farmers markets
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which is a special program for pregnant women, and mothers of children up to the age of 5.
- School lunch programs which provide free and reduced-price meals to children enrolled in schools throughout the United States
- Food banks are larger food distributers that work pantries to provide food
- Food pantries and charitable food organizations provide direct food services
- College basic needs programs including food pantries, emergency aid, housing support and more
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References
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