Living in a small community doesn't mean that food insecurity isn't an issue. In Dickinson County, an estimated 6.9% of the population and an estimated 8.8% of children under age 18 were identified as food insecure in the 2021 Map the Meal Gap project by Feeding America. (i)

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For children, it's important for them to get the nutrition they need. Without the vital nutrients key to healthy growth and development, children's physical, mental, and emotional development can be impaired. Food insecure children are also more susceptible to common illnesses. 

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Food insecurity also affects the academic performance of students in school. Research shows that children suffering from anemia as an infant, a health issue associated with food insecurity, present impaired memory and social functioning. (ii)

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Nutritious food is paramount to strength and well-being. If you are facing obstacles, such as a family or medical crisis, unemployment, or financial challenges associated with 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.