In 2010, the United States Department of Health and Human Services launched an initiative that set out to develop a new set of “science-based, 10-year national objectives with the goal of improving the health of all Americans.” One topic area of the Healthy People 2020 initiative includes the focus on social determinants of health, which are essentially the root causes of hunger. Addressing conditions in environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes change the way we solve these socioeconomic issues.

Root Causes of Food Insecurity

The goal of addressing these root causes is to “create social and physical environments that promote good health for all” through economic stability, education, social and community context, health and health care, and a built environment. Food insecurity is a key issue in both economic stability and in neighborhoods and built environments.

If someone struggles with economic stability, they often lack money or resources to also obtain healthy food. Consequently, this directly impacts the environment in which they call home. Home is where the heart is and that is exactly where health lives. Difficulty in accessing foods that support healthy eating patterns is a reality for many people. Whether it is because someone lives in a food desert or is not economically stable, the inability to access healthy food can cause poor nutrition and an unhealthy diet.

Full Cart, Full Heart

Through our program, Full Cart, households in need to receive a package of food at no cost to them. As America’s Virtual Food Bank, we are addressing the need within vulnerable populations by delivering a package of food directly to their front door. All they have to do is apply for food assistance online. This program gives those experiencing food insecurity a sense of relief during these difficult times.

With your help, we can continue working toward a hunger-free world by addressing food insecurity as the root cause of hunger that it is. Donate today to support our Full Cart Virtual Food Bank.