June 28 | Isabelle Panza
The LGBTQ+ community faces higher food insecurity rates than other individuals in our communities.
Food insecurity disproportionately affects certain communities, including the LGBTQ+ community. This LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we highlight the stark reality: many within this community face significantly higher rates of food insecurity compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
In 2021, the United States Census Household Pulse Survey (HPS) included questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time. The results were alarming: 13.1% of LGBTQ+ adults lived in a household experiencing food insecurity in the past seven days, compared to 7.2% of non-LGBTQ+ adults.” This means LGBTQ+ individuals face food insecurity at nearly twice the rate of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
Understanding the Causes
Several factors contribute to this disparity:
Discrimination and Stigma: LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and stigma in employment, housing, and healthcare, leading to economic instability and increased risk of food insecurity.
Mental Health Challenges: Higher rates of mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community, often stemming from societal rejection and discrimination, can impact one’s ability to maintain steady employment and access to resources.
Lack of Support Networks: Many LGBTQ+ individuals lack family support due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which can lead to financial and emotional hardships.
Our Commitment to Change
Raise Awareness: We write blogs like this to remind you, our donors and volunteers, of the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Awareness is the first step toward action.
Provide Support: We supply food to member agencies serving areas with higher rates of underserved populations. This includes partnerships with organizations specifically supporting the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Welcome with Warmth: Our volunteers and staff at our first-stop food pantries greet everyone with dignity, respect, and warmth. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
Advocate for Change: Our Government Relations Team pushes for legislation that ensures more help reaches everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. This includes advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity and discrimination. To learn more email us.
How You Can Help
This Pride Month, and every month, your support makes a difference. Here are ways you can help:
Donate: Your financial contributions help us provide food and resources to those in need.
Volunteer: Your time and effort can make a significant impact. Join us in creating a welcoming environment for all.
Advocate: Use your voice to support policies that address food insecurity and discrimination. Encourage your representatives to take action.
Spread Awareness: Share our message with your network. The more people who understand the issue, the more we can do together to create change.
This Pride Month, all food banks in America should remember why we do this work. We are not just providers of food. We are advocates, voices for the voiceless, and lifelines for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.