Food insecurity is climbing sharply across the United States, with nearly 50 million people struggling to put meals on the table in 2023, according to a new Department of Agriculture report. Rising costs of living and the end of pandemic-era support programs have left families nationwide facing tough choices. 💸🛒
Inflation has hit grocery bills hard, with staples like bread and eggs costing 30% more than pre-pandemic prices. Meanwhile, cuts to federal food assistance programs like SNAP have deepened the crisis. "This isn't just a statistic—it's real people skipping meals," said Dr. Lisa Chen, a food policy researcher at UCLA.
Los Angeles, a city known for its glitz, now sees mile-long lines at food banks. Community organizer Marco Ruiz told NewspaperAmigo.com: "We're helping more working families than ever—people who never imagined needing help."
With Congress debating further budget reductions, advocates warn the worst may be yet to come. 🤔
TL;DR: 🍞 50M Americans food-insecure | 📈 Inflation + aid cuts = crisis | 🗣️ "Skipping meals isn't a choice"
