By Diana Ortiz presented by TABLE
One in three children in Orange County faces food insecurity. For these families, putting food on the table is a daily challenge, often forcing parents to make the impossible decision of purchasing groceries or paying for other critical needs like utilities, housing, and even transportation.
Understanding food insecurity is the first step in being able to effectively address it. That’s why we’re breaking down some of the most common myths about food insecurity and shining a light on the support systems that work together to help fight hunger among children in our community.
Debunking Myths
There are many common misconceptions about food insecurity. These myths contribute to the stigma of hunger and are often misleading, which directly affects our ability to provide the right support in the most effective way for our kids and for their families.
To truly understand food insecurity, we need to separate fact from fiction.
Fiction: “Food insecurity only affects the homeless.”
Reality: The majority of food-insecure families have housing. In fact, food insecurity is more common among working families who don’t earn enough to cover all their needs such as housing, transportation, utilities, and child care.
In fact, child care is becoming an increasing cost that is even forcing some parents to quit their jobs because it costs less to stay at home than to work and pay for child care. According to NC Child Research Director Neil Harrington “Businesses across the state (NC) are struggling to hire workers, but we have this pool of workers that could be working, and many want to work – but they’re not, because they’re dealing with childcare issues.”
Fiction: “If someone has a job, they shouldn’t need food assistance.”
Reality: Even working families can face hunger. Low wages, rising living costs, general inflation, and unexpected expenses like medical bills and car repairs, can leave families unable to afford enough food.
Fiction: “SNAP is bad for the economy.”
Reality: Nationwide, about 97% of SNAP benefits are used within a month, which means that money goes right back into local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and businesses. Every dollar spent through SNAP generates about $1.50 in economic activity.
Fiction: “Food insecurity is driven by a lack of food.”
Reality: At its core, financial instability is what drives food insecurity. When families are struggling to make ends meet, putting a nutritious meal on the table becomes just one of many tough choices they have to make. And without access to healthy food, it becomes even harder to break the cycle and build a stable future.
TABLE Families Navigating Food Insecurity
There are so many reasons a family, a child, could experience an unexpected financial hardship resulting in food insecurity including job loss, domestic disturbance, or medical emergency that could turn stability into uncertainty overnight. For others, it’s a long-term challenge, with low wages, inconsistent work, and lack of benefits making it difficult to stay afloat.
Here are a few from the current 1,100 children TABLE feeds every week. There are hundreds of other stories just like these – local kids whose life circumstances have placed them in food-insecure homes overnight.
Meet Tiana & Cameron*: “I’d like donors to know we’re regular people, just like them,” says mom of Tiana, 9 years old, and Cameron, 14. Their life changed dramatically overnight due to a domestic situation. They went from living in a stable household to being in need of food and other basic resources in the blink of an eye. Their mom cites TABLE’s easy signup process for being a huge help when they needed quick support. About the food we deliver to their home, she shared, “We knew every week we would get something to eat. My kids look forward to the fresh food the most. They know they will get a fresh piece of fruit once or twice a day- we get enough for apples and oranges and fresh sautéed vegetables every day.”
Meet siblings Alex and Isabel*. Their family spent every last penny to move from Texas to Chapel Hill to obtain life-saving cancer treatment for their mom. When they arrived in town, they slept in their van in a Walmart parking lot. On the same day they found housing, their mom stumbled upon TABLE. She told me excitedly, “I can’t wait to tell my kids that they get a bed, shower, AND DINNER tonight!!”
How YOU Can Help
Food insecurity is a challenge that requires a community-wide effort. While government programs and food banks provide crucial support, local nonprofits like TABLE play a vital role in ensuring that children have consistent access to fresh, nutritious meals.
Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Support Our Mission in Serving the Community
Volunteering is one of the most direct ways to fight hunger. By sorting, packing, or delivering food, you become part of the solution in ensuring families receive the nourishment they need. At TABLE, volunteers help distribute hundreds thousands of meals and snacks every week, and every helping hand makes a significant impact. Whether you have a few hours a week or just one afternoon to spare, your time can make a meaningful difference.
Donating food is an easy way you can give back if you can’t volunteer. You can order directly from our Amazon Wish List of Food & Office Supplies and have it shipped directly to TABLE. Or, visit our Most Wanted Food Items List and purchase extra food next time you are at the store and drop it off at our office.
Finally, you can also donate funds. It costs TABLE $30 to feed one child for one week or you can feed a child for 6 months or even a year!
Advocate for Neighbors in Need
If you or someone you know is going through a particularly rough time, please know that TABLE is here as a resource. You’re not alone. There are many local programs and organizations ready to help, including those listed in our Chapel Hill Resource Guide.
Access to nutritious food is essential for every family, and support is available to ensure that no one has to face food insecurity alone. Whether you need assistance or want to help others, we encourage you to explore the resources in our community.
Diana Ortiz
Talking TABLE: Debunking Food Insecurity Myths Chapelboro.com.
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