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Food Insecurity

Learn what food security is and how it affects the community.

What Is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is where someone has a lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food.

How It Affects The Community

Living in a small community doesn't mean that food insecurity isn't an issue. In Dickinson County, an estimated 11.6% of the population is food insecure, and an estimated 18.5% of children <18 are food insecure. (i)

For children, it's vital for them to get the nutrition they need. Not getting these important nutrients, physical, mental, and emotional development can be impaired. Food insecure children are also more susceptible to common illnesses. 

Food insecurity also affects the academic performance of students in school. Research has shown that children whom suffered from anemia as an infant (Health issue associated with food insecurity) had impaired memory and social functioning. (ii)

Good food is paramount to strength and well-being. If you are facing obstacle like a family or medical crisis, unemployment, or the high cost of living in Dickinson County, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the resources outlined in the "Where's the Food" or "Resources" sections.

Sources:

i. Eathington, Liesl, "Poverty and Food Needs: Dickinson County, Iowa" (2016). Poverty and Food Needs. 30. 
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/icip_poverty/30

ii. Cook, John, and Karen Jeng. “Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on Our Nation.” Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on Our Nation, www.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/child-economy-study.pdf.

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