Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are four ways to support individuals that are facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. 

• Are there opportunities in your community to provide resources for food insecure households? How is your charitable giving solving problems exacerbated by COVID-19?

• Read more on how to address food insecurity brought on by the pandemic.

Reasons include a sudden loss of income, a sick caregiver, or an inability to stock up on food. Others might have relied on school lunch programs to help feed their children or live in food deserts or communities with grocery shortages. Still others might be in a high-risk group warned against shopping for themselves.

So, what can we do to help people not comfortable admitting they’re hungry or in need food?

Here, Debbie S. Dougherty, a professor of communication at the University of Missouri, and colleagues, all with expertise in food insecurity and social class, offer four tips for how to talk with those facing food insecurity during a crisis:

  1. Consider the digital divide. Remember, not everyone uses social media. The current food security crisis with COVID-19 is directly connected to the digital divide, which has left a large portion of the population isolated.
  2. Normalize the struggle. Use language that normalizes food insecurity in present times. People tend to compare themselves with others. If people believe that others have enough food, they may feel ashamed of their own food insecurity.
  3. Destigmatize the need for help. Given the broad scope of the current crisis and the impact on our food distribution system, neighbors, parents, and coworkers could be food insecure right now. Food insecurity is stigmatized in the US, as if not having enough food is shameful and one’s own fault. Due to these stigmas, people tend to hide their hunger.
  4. Remember everyone's emotions. This can be a stressful time for many people. People can experience strong emotions, including worry, anxiety and depression. These emotions can put a strain on a person’s mental and social health, as well as many food-related behaviors.

Read the full article about food insecurity by Eric Stann at Futurity.