Chapter 1: Understanding Food Insecurity

In a nation of wealth, the reality of hunger is a stark contradiction. Many individuals, like my friend Kaye, know precisely the assistance they require—often, it’s simply access to food.

Kaye is a woman in her sixties living with Type I diabetes, which has severely impaired her vision. She also grapples with a gastrointestinal disorder that necessitates a specialized diet. Unable to work due to her health challenges, Kaye depends on limited disability funds that barely cover her monthly rent and utility bills. To supplement her grocery needs, she relies on SNAP benefits, which provide her with approximately $250 a month, and the local Roadrunner Food Bank, which offers a weekly food box. Unfortunately, these resources are insufficient. Kaye often finds herself in a position where her food supply dwindles before the month ends, leaving her unable to afford essential items such as clothing and toiletries.

Given the skyrocketing food prices today, $250 is hardly adequate for anyone, particularly for individuals like Kaye who cannot bridge the gap with leftover change. The weekly food box from Roadrunner is only marginally helpful due to her dietary restrictions, and on some occasions, she ends up giving away the entire box to neighbors because it contains items she cannot consume. Kaye faces constant struggles with food scarcity and inadequate nutrition—an alarming situation for someone battling brittle diabetes and a serious gastrointestinal condition.

People like Kaye often slip through the cracks of our social safety nets. Although she receives SNAP benefits from a federally funded program and local assistance from the food bank, it simply isn’t enough. Kaye’s background is not one of hardship; she grew up sighted and in a middle-class family. The onset of her diabetes and gastrointestinal disorder was beyond her control, and adjusting to life with vision impairment has been challenging. Yet, lacking access to nutritious food should not add to her difficulties.

This is why churches, community centers, and local organizations must engage in food drives and operate independent food banks, ensuring their availability is well-publicized. In Albuquerque, there are numerous community food banks—about twenty that I found in a quick search. The challenge lies in locating one that is accessible, ideally within walking distance or one that offers delivery services. For individuals like Kaye who are visually impaired and unable to drive, obtaining free food can be a significant hurdle.

Moreover, gathering the necessary documentation to verify one’s income can be daunting, especially for those facing age-related cognitive issues alongside visual impairments. A neighborhood food bank that is within reach or provides delivery service, and is open to everyone without excessive bureaucracy, would be ideal. Do such resources exist? I sincerely hope so.

In the upcoming week, my goal is to identify a service that can deliver a healthy food box tailored to Kaye’s dietary needs. To those who claim that the less fortunate should be thankful for any assistance they receive, I must stress that no one should be compelled to consume food that could harm their health. Gastrointestinal disorders are genuine medical conditions, not mere lifestyle choices—just as being visually impaired or diabetic is not a choice.

What about Kaye’s caseworker? Shouldn’t they be addressing these critical issues? The reality is that Kaye’s caseworker is managing a heavy caseload, and it often takes a considerable amount of time to receive responses to calls or emails. Nonetheless, she is doing her best under challenging circumstances.

So, what can we do? Let’s extend kindness in our communities. Donate to food drives, volunteer at local food banks, or assist organizations like Meals on Wheels (I’ve participated in both). Consider becoming a delivery driver for just one day a week, or simply lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Ask them what they require and find a way to provide it. Remember, independence and dignity are fundamental rights for everyone. Most individuals are aware of the support they need: the first step is to listen and acknowledge the harsh realities they face.

The first video titled "Poverty in the USA: Being Poor in the World's Richest Country" explores the struggles of those living in poverty in a nation of abundance, highlighting stories like Kaye's and the systemic issues that contribute to food insecurity.

The second video, "The Kids Who Can't Afford Food | Breadline Kids," provides a poignant look at the experiences of children facing hunger and the broader implications of food scarcity in our communities.