Food Security
Last year 37.2 million Americans were food insecure. With the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional 17.1 million Americans are expected to become food insecure. Food insecurity is a public health challenge plagued with racial disparities. Prior to the pandemic, 8.1% of White Americans experienced food insecurity versus 21.2% of Black Americans. This collection of resources focuses on legal and policy interventions that target the continual challenge of food insecurity, as well as resources that address food insecurity created by the pandemic. Additional resources are in development. Check back from time-to-time for updates or subscribe to the Network Report e-newsletter for information on the latest Network resources.
Resources
50 State Survey: State Laws Addressing Food Donation
The Biden Administration’s Response to the Food Insecurity Crisis
COVID-19: Innovations in Nutrition Programs to Address Food Insecurity
Effects of Denial of SNAP Benefits on Persons with Felony Drug Convictions
Key Federal Programs to Address Student Food Insecurity When School is out of Session
Federal Emergency Food Security Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Links to Additional Food Security Resources
Spotlight
Liability Protections for Food Donation Help Address Food Insecurity and Food Waste
Reducing Kids’ Consumption of Sugar and Salt through Changes in the National School Lunch Program
Biden Administration Executive Order Results in Long-Needed Update to SNAP Nutrition Benefits
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Real-time assistance for questions related to COVID-19 response
The Network can assist local, county, tribal and state health agencies with timely guidance, resources and information critical to key COVID-19 response measures, particularly in the areas of:
- public health authority and emergency powers,
- constitutionality of practices,
- health data privacy,
- protections for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals,
- crisis standards of care, and
- ethical decision making.
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Legal Assistance Library
Explore the Network’s Legal Assistance Library to find answers to commonly asked questions on a variety of public health topics.