By Jessica Knight, dietetic intern

In such a busy world, there are enough obstacles in the way of nourishing our bodies and minds without having to wonder where the next meal is coming from. When utilities, taxes, healthcare expenses, and other costs are looming, the grocery bill is often the first to get cut. A lack of adequate nutrition can contribute to the cycle of chronic stress, negatively impacting mental and physical health.

If you find yourself struggling to consistently afford or have access to high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that meet your nutritional needs, you are likely dealing with food insecurity. Even for those who aren’t at risk of hunger, awareness is still important, since an estimated 44 million people in the US are reportedly food insecure. While food insecurity is most common in populations near or below the poverty line, this issue impacts college students, seniors, those living with physical and mental disabilities, and many others who may be your friends and neighbors.

Food insecurity can be the result of a combination of factors. As the cost of food inflates and wages remain the same, finances are a major barrier. Many neighborhoods in St Louis and surrounding areas have limited grocery stores within walking distance. For individuals without reliable transportation or those with mobility issues, shopping can be time-consuming and even dangerous. So, what resources and options are out there to help?

Start by exploring the 16 federal nutrition assistance programs sponsored by the USDA. Depending on demographics such as income and age, you may be eligible for one or more of these programs. Eligibility requirements and application processes are program-specific, and you can learn more about each here.

While nutrition assistance programs are a great resource, food insecurity still exists above the income eligibility thresholds. For example, individuals making even a few hundred dollars above the maximum income limit receive no assistance and may still struggle to afford enough food to nourish themselves. There are steps you can take if you find yourself struggling with food access and you don’t qualify for governmental support.

Visit your local food pantries. The St. Louis Area Foodbank works with over 600 partners in 26 counties to provide emergency nutrition assistance. Find your closest STL Food Bank here. Religious groups, homeless shelters, and other local organizations near you may also maintain publicly accessible food pantries.
Shop smart. Plan your shopping trips before you arrive at the grocery store and stick to your list. Use coupons and join rewards programs to receive discounts. Take advantage of discounted baked goods and meats close to their expiration date – you can always freeze these items!
Reduce household food waste. Did you know that households could save an average of $370 per person annually by taking steps to reduce food waste? Maximizing your budget and reducing waste is a win-win, saving you money while helping the environment.
Additional resources: Watch for classes in your area hosted by the Missouri University Extension. Nutrition educators through the extension teach public cooking and canning courses. They are a wonderful source of information on managing food waste in the home, cooking and shopping smart, and even growing your own fruits and vegetables. Strategies for reducing food waste in the home are also available from the EPA.

If you are experiencing food insecurity, let your dietitian know. We can help you develop a plan to increase food access and locate resources. Stay tuned for part two of this series where we discuss strategies for managing household food waste!