Brevard County Food Insecurity

Brevard County, Florida, has a Food Insecurity rate of 12.5%, which is 72,000 people. In nutritional programs, 33% are above SNAP and other programs, and 67% are below a 200% poverty threshold. The average cost per meal is $3.39, and $41,317,000 additional money is required to meet the food needs in this location. That number of people may seem high, but I know many great neighborhoods are near poor communities. I am sure it is a lot higher now due to the pandemic. As a result, I am struggling for several reasons this year. Comparing these numbers to the state and country, there is little difference. I did note that many southern states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, were worse off. 

Some churches receive donated food for families needing temporary help or that do not meet the requirements for state assistance. Near me is the sharing center, where they support families in need once a month. They also provide free lunch to the homeless or low-income workers. Publix is an excellent example of a food market that donates to these organizations. There also used to be a bread facility selling old pennies on the dollar. The problem with many places that help is that they put food on the table, but many of these foods are highly processed or sugary bread, boxed, or canned food. There needs to be more nutrient-dense food, but they only have control over what is donated, and unfortunately, these are the types of food that are most commonly presented. I would like to see more fruit and vegetables, even if canned. 

I observed that feedingamerica.org is supported by ConAgra Foods, responsible for “marketing heavily processed and chemical-laden foods” (Paarlberg 128). It reminds me of Monsanto giving seeds to developing countries. What is the point if we know the outcome? When I researched their part of the site, I saw a video showing people helping America with farm fruits and vegetables. Is ConAgra also donating a good portion of its food? It keeps our country malnourished and overweight. From my experience with food banks, there are very few nutritional items. I would say 70% are refined carbohydrates.  

The data on Feeding America can be deceiving. I was a young single mother for a long time, who depended on such resources to give my kids better food. State agencies like the Department of Children and Families put you through the wringer to qualify by submitting paystubs, bills, bank statements, and employment verification. This was the reason that I worked hard to get out. I did not want to be a part of that statistic. Some communities, however, never leave because it is easier to stay. Children who grow up in poverty are most likely to do the same as their parents did. Why would you try to make more money if your benefits go down? It would be easier to cheat the system, put certain assets in relatives’ names, and still get benefits. Some people work hard to break the cycle, but many lack that motivation and become complacent where they are, from my personal experience. The problems with the system are a mile long. I had dreams that I could not ignore and continue to pursue. Receiving help should be a crutch, not a lifelong disability. More programs should be implemented to provide a better quality of life.