Facing Food Insecurity: Why Our Communities Must Act Now – Insights from Morgan Hill Times

Food insecurity is a pressing issue that impacts millions of people worldwide. It isn’t just a problem in poorer countries; even those in affluent nations struggle to find enough nutritious food.

This crisis is worsened by economic challenges, climate change, and social inequalities. It’s crucial for everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—to take meaningful action to tackle food insecurity.

Simply put, food insecurity means not having reliable access to enough food for a healthy life. The COVID-19 pandemic made matters worse, pushing many into poverty and disrupting food supply chains. Today, soaring inflation and supply challenges continue to make food less affordable, especially for marginalized groups like low-income families, the elderly, and children.

At the Reach Out program at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Morgan Hill, the need for assistance has climbed significantly. Carol Lillig, one of the co-directors, noted that they served 5,700 households last year, up from 3,700 in 2023. The number of seniors relying on their pantry increased from 2,241 to 3,192, while the number of children needing help jumped from 3,827 to 5,724.

Guests can come once a month for a grocery cart filled with frozen meat, dairy, produce, and dry foods. They also welcome visitors weekly for fresh produce, bread, and items like milk and prepared sandwiches, provided in surplus.

The program works closely with Second Harvest Food Bank, which supplies about a third of their stock. Through partnerships with stores like Safeway and Nob Hill, volunteers pick up food donations regularly. Local backyard gardeners also share their excess bounty, but volunteers buy at least half of the pantry’s stock with community donations and occasional grants.

With more visitors and fewer donations, the program’s expenses have risen sharply, now ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 a month—up from just $1,000 in 2021. Lillig emphasizes that local pantries are vital. They provide quick access to healthy food for seniors, support busy families, and offer basic supplies to unhoused individuals.

Poverty is one of the main reasons behind food insecurity. When families can’t afford food, their health suffers. Malnutrition, obesity, and chronic illnesses become more common. Rising living costs and stagnant wages only add to this struggle.

Climate change is another major factor. Extreme weather like droughts and floods can ruin crops, leading to food shortages and higher prices. To combat these issues, we need to focus on sustainable farming practices and policies that protect our environment.

Tackling food insecurity requires a combined effort. Governments should strengthen food assistance and affordable housing programs to support vulnerable groups. Businesses can help by cutting food waste, aiding local farmers, and investing in sustainable practices. Everyone can make a difference by donating to food banks and advocating for better policies.

Food insecurity isn’t just a local problem; it’s a global humanitarian crisis that influences health, economy, and equality. If we don’t act, countless people will suffer. We must unite to ensure that access to nutritious food becomes a right for everyone, not just a privilege for a select few.

The Reach Out Pantry at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church is located at 17400 Peak Ave. For more information, call 408-779-3959 or visit https://stca.org/reachout.