Food Insecurity Challenges Many Communities:
A Spotlight on Waterloo Shows a Local Community Solution
Senator Joni Erst, Iowa
Iowa is a great contributor to our nation, most notably through our agricultural industry. As the leading producer of pork, corn, soybeans, and eggs, we help feed America and people across the globe. But when we take a look at poverty in the nation, we must first look into our own backyard.
In a state that feeds millions, food insecurity in Iowa is a staggering issue. The statistics are shocking. In the state of Iowa, the USDA reports that more than 10 percent of households struggle to find food on a day-to-day basis. As the Quad City Times reports, while the number of government food assistance recipients is actually dropping, the “need continues.”
A few weeks ago, Senator Ernst had the opportunity to visit the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo. In Northeast Iowa alone, there are more than 48,000 people who do not have regular access to food. According to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank over 16,000 of those are children and 10 percent are seniors. One of the many issues they are searching for solutions for are getting meals to children on weekends and when school is out for summer break. As a mother and a grandmother, it’s heartbreaking to hear that.
Senator Ernst’s conversation with the leaders of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and their partner, Operation Threshold, guided her to the realizations that every community is different, and that ideas for solutions for that particular community will come from within. She is a strong proponent of local solutions, and strongly supports the ingenuity and hard work of Iowa’s organizations. Ernst also learned about the success of mobile food pantries, the partnerships with large groceries and superstores, backpack programs and community
She was overwhelmed and inspired by the generosity of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, their donors, and volunteers, but equally filled with questions: how do we get food to home-bound seniors? How do we feed children when school is out or on the weekends? How can we help Iowans overcome financial hardships and obstacles? Is the federal government hurting or helping?
How can we, as a nation, do better?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to fight poverty, but hearing from organizations and Iowans on what works, and what we can do to help, is a step in the right direction.
