Lines of cars waiting to get food for a food bank. The Texas National Guard packing up boxes of food in Dallas. Food insecurity was a huge issue in the United States even before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The mainstream media told of the "great economy" yet millions of Americans struggled with being able to afford food.
The images aren't of people waiting in line these days. People stay in their cars while workers load the boxes into hatches and trunks. This is significant because in normal times, there is this shame as people might be lazy or unmotivated and that is why people struggle with getting food. Maybe those waiting in their cars won't feel shame.
The loss of schools means children are not getting school breakfast and school lunch. For a lot of children, that makes a big difference in their day. There are struggles with learning from home made worse when you have to mute your microphone until your empty stomach noises dissipate.
Hitting a plateau in the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
Grocery store workers are the heroes during COVID-19 coronavirus
Embracing your stress eating during the COVID-19 coronavirus
Alternative foods if your grocery store has been raided due to COVID-19 coronavirus
Will COVID-19 play a role with farmers markets?
BalanceofFood.com Daily Show coverage
Victory gardens was a thing during World War II. We have advocated people planting gardens in their front lawns instead of grass. We've seen a bit of a comeback to the idea of planting gardens to supplant food. The Northern Hemisphere hasn't had conditions for planting until about now. Victory gardens can work if you own your home, have ideal sunshine in the back yard or front yard. Urban gardens on a rooftop or in a shipping container are part of the solution to feed people.
Tastemakers spotlights local food growers who are making a difference
Thanks to the Daily Show with Trevor Noah for having on Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot to talk about food banks. If you are among millions, you shouldn't have to worry about stigma. The 1% and other rich people are having their groceries delivered to them in this pandemic. The people forced to risk their lives who work for these shopping services serve at the behest of the people who really don't have to go outside.
This is one of many photos spotlighting the number of people who are getting in long lines hours before the food banks open up. Let us remember these images when the pandemic subsides. Hunger is real for a lot of people. They should feel no shame for getting help.
video credit: Daily Show with Trevor Noah
photo credit: Neil Blake/Grand Rapids Press/AP
Comments