I woke up this morning and made some toast with peanut butter and a cup of coffee. Full disclosure: two cups of coffee. A modest but decent breakfast. Then I went to work answering emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. I do this just about every morning. There is always a backup jar of peanut butter and an extra loaf of bread in the freezer.
This is not the case for a large number of people in America. Although reports vary, non-partisan research estimates that more than 33 million adults and more than 13 million children in the United States live in food insecure households, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.
What Does Food Insecurity Mean?
Being food insecure can be defined as not having access to enough food and/or sufficiently safe and nutritious food. It also means not being able to get food in socially acceptable ways, possibly relying on food that has been discarded. We have all heard the term “food desert,” which is also a major contributor to food insecurity. Food deserts often exist in low-income neighborhoods, where residents have little or no access to full-service grocery stores. Instead, they rely on fast food and convenience stores that sell mostly high-priced, unhealthy snack foods.
Being food insecure often results in perpetual hunger, malnutrition, and a host of illnesses. Many worry constantly that their food will run out before they can afford more. Some do not know where their next meal is coming from.
The Reality of Housing Insecurity
Then I took a hot shower, got dressed, settled down in my office (I work remotely from home) which is usually warm and comfortable. It is private, well-lit, quiet, and designed for getting work done—and also taking breaks when I need them. I can play music when I feel like it, and I am surrounded by books.
This, too, is not the case for many Americans. It used to be that spending 25–30% of a family’s income on housing was common and manageable. Now, many households have to spend 50% of their income or much more, according to Healthy People, a data-driven organization measuring the country’s progress in key areas. More than 37 million Americans are cost burdened, meaning they have little money for food, clothing, medication, and other household expenses every month after paying for housing. If the roof leaks or the washing machine breaks, there is no way to pay for repairs. Shelling out a few dollars for their child’s field trip or class pictures is impossible. Families who, in the past, might have been able to save to buy a house or rent in a safer neighborhood with shops, parks, and playgrounds nearby, can no longer even dream about these futures. And when families fall behind on rent, evictions follow. Although it is difficult to get precise numbers, evictions—which are based on court records and American housing surveys—are increasing every year. Once a family has been evicted once, no matter the reason, renting another apartment becomes substantially more difficult.
More People in Need, But Fewer Resources
According to the US Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a single night in 2024, approximately 150,000 children were experiencing homelessness. This marked the highest number ever recorded. The luckier ones have some temporary housing in poorly maintained motels and at shelters, but it can be more difficult to find shelters that can accommodate families with children, especially those with multiple children. Many people have no place to sleep each night, including thousands of single mothers.
Food insecurity, housing insecurity, and homelessness are real and increasing, especially for single mothers and young children. This may surprise some people: many families who are homeless and hungry have jobs. Some hold multiple jobs. Yet they cannot afford to pay rent or buy enough food, clothes, and medicine due to low wages, astronomical housing costs, and rising food prices. Many have limited or no access to health care or transportation. To make matters worse, qualifying for government food benefits, such as SNAP, and medical benefits, such as Medicaid, is harder than ever before. Families who were previously getting some assistance are no longer eligible based on current government policies. It is a true crisis affecting families, children, and communities in every state.
Impact of Food and Housing Insecurity on Health
Housing and food insecurity often lead to mental as well as physical health problems. Depression and anxiety are common. Serious mental illness can emerge, or existing conditions often become more severe. Chronic health issues get worse without ongoing care and proper medication. Adults, young and old, are at greater risk for alcohol and drug use and addiction, and young children are often exposed to harmful substances and exploitation at an early age. All these conditions lead to poor outcomes for individuals as well as a breakdown in societal health.
Food and housing insecurity also disrupt the essential conditions necessary for both learning and working, leading to widespread instability. In educational settings, when basic survival needs are unmet, schools operate in crisis mode. This results in reduced cognitive functioning due to hunger and sleep deprivation, impaired memory and attention from chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation that fuels behavioral challenges. This instability can lead to increased absenteeism, declining academic engagement, a greater need for crisis intervention, and overwhelmed counseling services, contributing to staff burnout.
The same dynamics play out in the workplace. Employees facing food or housing insecurity are more likely to experience reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, mental health challenges, and workforce disengagement. Over time, this leads to higher turnover and rising healthcare costs for employers. Operational efficiency and organizational resilience are threatened.
Ultimately, the effects of food and housing insecurity ripple through both schools and workplaces, hindering growth and quality of life while fostering environments of crisis.
Who is Most at Risk?
Housing and food insecurity disproportionately affect BIPOC populations and disabled people. They also affect military veterans and their families at a high rate. The National Institutes of Health reports that 1.5 million veterans are living below the national poverty level, and 2.4 million are living paycheck to paycheck, affecting their own and their family’s health and wellbeing. Food insecurity among veterans is more than twice the national average for non-veterans.
Steps We Can Take
Addressing food and housing insecurity necessitates collective action from individuals, communities, and organizations. Here are some approaches that can make a difference:
Invest in Individuals:
- Advocate for fair, livable wages to help families meet basic needs.
- Establish emergency hardship funds and housing assistance programs.
- Promote affordable transportation options and flexible scheduling.
- Provide access to mental health support and nutritious food options.
Engage with the Community:
- Support local food banks and affordable housing initiatives.
- Collaborate with mental health and social service organizations to provide resources for those in need.
Leverage Influence:
- Advocate for policies that promote equity and support vulnerable populations.
- Partner with local organizations to connect individuals and families with essential resources.
And remember: one of the most powerful things you can do is support local, state, and national political candidates whose policies and priorities on these issues line up with your own. And then vote in every election!
I took a break from work. I donated to my local food bank, went through my closet, and bundled up some warm, perfectly good clothes I haven't worn in years for pick-up by a veteran's association and the Boys' and Girls Club of America.
It's a start.
-
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
I woke up this morning and made some toast with peanut butter and a cup of coffee. Full disclosure: two cups of coffee. A modest but decent breakfast. Then I went to work answering emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. I do this just about every morning. There is always a backup jar of peanut butter and an extra loaf of bread in the freezer.
This is not the case for a large number of people in America. Although reports vary, non-partisan research estimates that more than 33 million adults and more than 13 million children in the United States live in food insecure households, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.
What Does Food Insecurity Mean?
Being food insecure can be defined as not having access to enough food and/or sufficiently safe and nutritious food. It also means not being able to get food in socially acceptable ways, possibly relying on food that has been discarded. We have all heard the term “food desert,” which is also a major contributor to food insecurity. Food deserts often exist in low-income neighborhoods, where residents have little or no access to full-service grocery stores. Instead, they rely on fast food and convenience stores that sell mostly high-priced, unhealthy snack foods.
Being food insecure often results in perpetual hunger, malnutrition, and a host of illnesses. Many worry constantly that their food will run out before they can afford more. Some do not know where their next meal is coming from.
The Reality of Housing Insecurity
Then I took a hot shower, got dressed, settled down in my office (I work remotely from home) which is usually warm and comfortable. It is private, well-lit, quiet, and designed for getting work done—and also taking breaks when I need them. I can play music when I feel like it, and I am surrounded by books.
This, too, is not the case for many Americans. It used to be that spending 25–30% of a family’s income on housing was common and manageable. Now, many households have to spend 50% of their income or much more, according to Healthy People, a data-driven organization measuring the country’s progress in key areas. More than 37 million Americans are cost burdened, meaning they have little money for food, clothing, medication, and other household expenses every month after paying for housing. If the roof leaks or the washing machine breaks, there is no way to pay for repairs. Shelling out a few dollars for their child’s field trip or class pictures is impossible. Families who, in the past, might have been able to save to buy a house or rent in a safer neighborhood with shops, parks, and playgrounds nearby, can no longer even dream about these futures. And when families fall behind on rent, evictions follow. Although it is difficult to get precise numbers, evictions—which are based on court records and American housing surveys—are increasing every year. Once a family has been evicted once, no matter the reason, renting another apartment becomes substantially more difficult.
More People in Need, But Fewer Resources
According to the US Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a single night in 2024, approximately 150,000 children were experiencing homelessness. This marked the highest number ever recorded. The luckier ones have some temporary housing in poorly maintained motels and at shelters, but it can be more difficult to find shelters that can accommodate families with children, especially those with multiple children. Many people have no place to sleep each night, including thousands of single mothers.
Food insecurity, housing insecurity, and homelessness are real and increasing, especially for single mothers and young children. This may surprise some people: many families who are homeless and hungry have jobs. Some hold multiple jobs. Yet they cannot afford to pay rent or buy enough food, clothes, and medicine due to low wages, astronomical housing costs, and rising food prices. Many have limited or no access to health care or transportation. To make matters worse, qualifying for government food benefits, such as SNAP, and medical benefits, such as Medicaid, is harder than ever before. Families who were previously getting some assistance are no longer eligible based on current government policies. It is a true crisis affecting families, children, and communities in every state.
Impact of Food and Housing Insecurity on Health
Housing and food insecurity often lead to mental as well as physical health problems. Depression and anxiety are common. Serious mental illness can emerge, or existing conditions often become more severe. Chronic health issues get worse without ongoing care and proper medication. Adults, young and old, are at greater risk for alcohol and drug use and addiction, and young children are often exposed to harmful substances and exploitation at an early age. All these conditions lead to poor outcomes for individuals as well as a breakdown in societal health.
Food and housing insecurity also disrupt the essential conditions necessary for both learning and working, leading to widespread instability. In educational settings, when basic survival needs are unmet, schools operate in crisis mode. This results in reduced cognitive functioning due to hunger and sleep deprivation, impaired memory and attention from chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation that fuels behavioral challenges. This instability can lead to increased absenteeism, declining academic engagement, a greater need for crisis intervention, and overwhelmed counseling services, contributing to staff burnout.
The same dynamics play out in the workplace. Employees facing food or housing insecurity are more likely to experience reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, mental health challenges, and workforce disengagement. Over time, this leads to higher turnover and rising healthcare costs for employers. Operational efficiency and organizational resilience are threatened.
Ultimately, the effects of food and housing insecurity ripple through both schools and workplaces, hindering growth and quality of life while fostering environments of crisis.
Who is Most at Risk?
Housing and food insecurity disproportionately affect BIPOC populations and disabled people. They also affect military veterans and their families at a high rate. The National Institutes of Health reports that 1.5 million veterans are living below the national poverty level, and 2.4 million are living paycheck to paycheck, affecting their own and their family’s health and wellbeing. Food insecurity among veterans is more than twice the national average for non-veterans.
Steps We Can Take
Addressing food and housing insecurity necessitates collective action from individuals, communities, and organizations. Here are some approaches that can make a difference:
Invest in Individuals:
- Advocate for fair, livable wages to help families meet basic needs.
- Establish emergency hardship funds and housing assistance programs.
- Promote affordable transportation options and flexible scheduling.
- Provide access to mental health support and nutritious food options.
Engage with the Community:
- Support local food banks and affordable housing initiatives.
- Collaborate with mental health and social service organizations to provide resources for those in need.
Leverage Influence:
- Advocate for policies that promote equity and support vulnerable populations.
- Partner with local organizations to connect individuals and families with essential resources.
And remember: one of the most powerful things you can do is support local, state, and national political candidates whose policies and priorities on these issues line up with your own. And then vote in every election!
I took a break from work. I donated to my local food bank, went through my closet, and bundled up some warm, perfectly good clothes I haven't worn in years for pick-up by a veteran's association and the Boys' and Girls Club of America.
It's a start.
-
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
I woke up this morning and made some toast with peanut butter and a cup of coffee. Full disclosure: two cups of coffee. A modest but decent breakfast. Then I went to work answering emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. I do this just about every morning. There is always a backup jar of peanut butter and an extra loaf of bread in the freezer.
This is not the case for a large number of people in America. Although reports vary, non-partisan research estimates that more than 33 million adults and more than 13 million children in the United States live in food insecure households, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.
What Does Food Insecurity Mean?
Being food insecure can be defined as not having access to enough food and/or sufficiently safe and nutritious food. It also means not being able to get food in socially acceptable ways, possibly relying on food that has been discarded. We have all heard the term “food desert,” which is also a major contributor to food insecurity. Food deserts often exist in low-income neighborhoods, where residents have little or no access to full-service grocery stores. Instead, they rely on fast food and convenience stores that sell mostly high-priced, unhealthy snack foods.
Being food insecure often results in perpetual hunger, malnutrition, and a host of illnesses. Many worry constantly that their food will run out before they can afford more. Some do not know where their next meal is coming from.
The Reality of Housing Insecurity
Then I took a hot shower, got dressed, settled down in my office (I work remotely from home) which is usually warm and comfortable. It is private, well-lit, quiet, and designed for getting work done—and also taking breaks when I need them. I can play music when I feel like it, and I am surrounded by books.
This, too, is not the case for many Americans. It used to be that spending 25–30% of a family’s income on housing was common and manageable. Now, many households have to spend 50% of their income or much more, according to Healthy People, a data-driven organization measuring the country’s progress in key areas. More than 37 million Americans are cost burdened, meaning they have little money for food, clothing, medication, and other household expenses every month after paying for housing. If the roof leaks or the washing machine breaks, there is no way to pay for repairs. Shelling out a few dollars for their child’s field trip or class pictures is impossible. Families who, in the past, might have been able to save to buy a house or rent in a safer neighborhood with shops, parks, and playgrounds nearby, can no longer even dream about these futures. And when families fall behind on rent, evictions follow. Although it is difficult to get precise numbers, evictions—which are based on court records and American housing surveys—are increasing every year. Once a family has been evicted once, no matter the reason, renting another apartment becomes substantially more difficult.
More People in Need, But Fewer Resources
According to the US Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a single night in 2024, approximately 150,000 children were experiencing homelessness. This marked the highest number ever recorded. The luckier ones have some temporary housing in poorly maintained motels and at shelters, but it can be more difficult to find shelters that can accommodate families with children, especially those with multiple children. Many people have no place to sleep each night, including thousands of single mothers.
Food insecurity, housing insecurity, and homelessness are real and increasing, especially for single mothers and young children. This may surprise some people: many families who are homeless and hungry have jobs. Some hold multiple jobs. Yet they cannot afford to pay rent or buy enough food, clothes, and medicine due to low wages, astronomical housing costs, and rising food prices. Many have limited or no access to health care or transportation. To make matters worse, qualifying for government food benefits, such as SNAP, and medical benefits, such as Medicaid, is harder than ever before. Families who were previously getting some assistance are no longer eligible based on current government policies. It is a true crisis affecting families, children, and communities in every state.
Impact of Food and Housing Insecurity on Health
Housing and food insecurity often lead to mental as well as physical health problems. Depression and anxiety are common. Serious mental illness can emerge, or existing conditions often become more severe. Chronic health issues get worse without ongoing care and proper medication. Adults, young and old, are at greater risk for alcohol and drug use and addiction, and young children are often exposed to harmful substances and exploitation at an early age. All these conditions lead to poor outcomes for individuals as well as a breakdown in societal health.
Food and housing insecurity also disrupt the essential conditions necessary for both learning and working, leading to widespread instability. In educational settings, when basic survival needs are unmet, schools operate in crisis mode. This results in reduced cognitive functioning due to hunger and sleep deprivation, impaired memory and attention from chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation that fuels behavioral challenges. This instability can lead to increased absenteeism, declining academic engagement, a greater need for crisis intervention, and overwhelmed counseling services, contributing to staff burnout.
The same dynamics play out in the workplace. Employees facing food or housing insecurity are more likely to experience reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, mental health challenges, and workforce disengagement. Over time, this leads to higher turnover and rising healthcare costs for employers. Operational efficiency and organizational resilience are threatened.
Ultimately, the effects of food and housing insecurity ripple through both schools and workplaces, hindering growth and quality of life while fostering environments of crisis.
Who is Most at Risk?
Housing and food insecurity disproportionately affect BIPOC populations and disabled people. They also affect military veterans and their families at a high rate. The National Institutes of Health reports that 1.5 million veterans are living below the national poverty level, and 2.4 million are living paycheck to paycheck, affecting their own and their family’s health and wellbeing. Food insecurity among veterans is more than twice the national average for non-veterans.
Steps We Can Take
Addressing food and housing insecurity necessitates collective action from individuals, communities, and organizations. Here are some approaches that can make a difference:
Invest in Individuals:
- Advocate for fair, livable wages to help families meet basic needs.
- Establish emergency hardship funds and housing assistance programs.
- Promote affordable transportation options and flexible scheduling.
- Provide access to mental health support and nutritious food options.
Engage with the Community:
- Support local food banks and affordable housing initiatives.
- Collaborate with mental health and social service organizations to provide resources for those in need.
Leverage Influence:
- Advocate for policies that promote equity and support vulnerable populations.
- Partner with local organizations to connect individuals and families with essential resources.
And remember: one of the most powerful things you can do is support local, state, and national political candidates whose policies and priorities on these issues line up with your own. And then vote in every election!
I took a break from work. I donated to my local food bank, went through my closet, and bundled up some warm, perfectly good clothes I haven't worn in years for pick-up by a veteran's association and the Boys' and Girls Club of America.
It's a start.
-
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
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