Food Insecurity in Tennessee Surges: Nearly 24% of Residents Experience Hunger, Especially Families with Children

Food Insecurity on the Rise: Shocking New Poll Results from Johnson City!

Johnson City, Tenn. — A recent survey has stirred up quite a conversation around the dinner tables in Tennessee as it reveals alarming statistics about food insecurity in the state. According to the Applied Social Research Laboratory (ASRL) at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), approximately 24% of Tennesseans reported experiencing hunger in the past year due to financial constraints. And it gets even more concerning when you break it down further — families with children are twice as likely to face this issue compared to those without!

Understanding Food Insecurity

So, what exactly does food insecurity mean? Well, it’s defined as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” In simpler terms, it means that families are struggling to put reliable meals on the table. The ASRL emphasizes that having limited access to food not only impacts physical health but also increases the risk of chronic and mental health issues. As if that’s not concerning enough, children’s school performance can also take a hit when they are not adequately nourished.

The Tennessee Poll: What Did We Find?

Conducted in July, the Tennessee Poll included a variety of questions about food security and finances over the previous year. The results reveal a startling truth — nearly 50% of respondents from East Tennessee earn less than $50,000 a year! Overall, the survey highlights that 52% of residents have had no trouble purchasing more food when needed, but this does not tell the whole story. Almost 48% of respondents revealed that they couldn’t always afford food. 29% reported having struggles sometimes, while 19% said it’s often a problem.

The Struggle is Real Among Young Families

The data put a spotlight on younger generations, detailing how Gen Z and millennials are particularly hard hit by these financial challenges. For instance, 47% of Gen Z respondents stated they sometimes struggle while 30% often face it. Millennials weren’t far behind, with 42% stating sometimes and 31% often.

But what about those with kids? That’s where things really get eye-opening. Only 35% of parents claimed they never faced the situation of running out of food and having no money to buy more. A whopping 29% of families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 often struggle to afford food, which is significantly higher compared to just 9% among those without kids.

The Battle for Balanced Meals

Survey respondents earning less than $50,000 annually reported the hardest time affording nutritious meals, with 80% of parents saying it’s “sometimes true” or “often true” that they can’t afford balanced meals. Again, this shows stark differences when compared to those without children — only 62% reported similar issues.

Parents Making Sacrifices

The Tennessee Poll also dug deeper into parental sacrifices. It revealed that many Tennesseans with kids have resorted to cutting back on their meals to ensure their children eat. About 44% of parents reported reducing their meal sizes, with 47% stating they eat less than they think they should. Even more alarming, 39% went hungry, and that’s not a comfortable conversation for anyone to have. In stark contrast, those without children reported much lower levels of meal reduction, at 23% for both cutting meal sizes and eating less, and just 17% went hungry.

The Bottom Line

This survey sheds light on a pressing issue that seemingly affects more and more families in our wonderful state. As the holidays approach, it raises crucial questions about how we can support our neighbors struggling with food insecurity. From community outreach to food drives, the call for action has never been more urgent.

Thanks to the ASRL for unveiling these tough truths and helping us understand the food landscape in our beloved Tennessee.