Food Insecurity In Bethesda

Before the pandemic, there were more than 75,000 food insecure people, or around 7.5 percent, in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA. (1)

Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. (2)

Parts of Bethesda suffered food insecurity at rates up to 16 percent. Since March 2020, this number has increased by more than 35 percent.

Food insecurity among children in the county is disproportionately higher, at almost 14 percent of the county’s children. Also vulnerable are the county's seniors, foreign born and people with disabilities.

For more details on food security issues in Montgomery County, click the button below.

 
(1) A Food Secure Montgomery; What We Know Now and What We Can Do, A 5-Year Strategic Plan, April 2017, available here.(2) US Department of Agriculture, (2019). Definitions of Food Security. Available online here.

(1) A Food Secure Montgomery; What We Know Now and What We Can Do, A 5-Year Strategic Plan, April 2017, available here.

(2) US Department of Agriculture, (2019). Definitions of Food Security. Available online here.

Root Causes of Food Insecurity

 
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Poverty

Low wages or unemployment can make it challenging to afford healthy food products. In some cases, an individual may not have enough money for multiple meals per day.

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Transportation

Inadequate transit options can make it difficult or impossible to get to markets that sell healthy food.

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Inability to Prepare Food

Not knowing how to cook, not being physically able to cook, or not having time to shop and cook can be deterrents for some people looking for healthier options.

 
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Low Participation in Benefit Programs

This includes failure to sign up for public support because of stigma, language barriers, and fear by undocumented residents of deportation.

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Language and Cultural Barriers

Limited food literacy or access to preferred foods can make it hard for people of different cultures to prepare meals that they can enjoy.

 
 

Additional Resources

 

We are honored to be one of many community organizations that works hard to make sure that adequate resources are available to our neighbors. Please find here some helpful resources for those who may need extra assistance.