More than 47 million people in the US are food insecure including 1 in 5 children.

In 2024 an average of 41.7 million Americans per month relied on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

(SNAP) formerly known as food stamps. In California alone about 4.8 million people use CalFresh (California's SNAP program). But even with CalFresh (or SNAP), it can be very difficult for many families to buy enough food to feed their families, especially when food costs have skyrocketed, but SNAP benefits have not been raised by any significant amount.

In the above photo, you will see a chart. Locate your family size and your weekly budget. Using the lines provided, make a grocery list of items you would normally buy at the store for you and/or your family for one week. Using your favorite  grocery store website or app., find the prices for those items. The challenge is to try to stay within your budget amount for the week.

*Remember a healthy balanced diet consists of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins.

Was it possible to buy enough food for the week? Were you able to afford to by enough fresh fruits, vegetables, meats/protein?

Thanks for taking the challenge!

Please consider sharing this with others.

According to the California Association of Food Banks an estimated 700,000 people in Orange County are food Insecure and rely on over 200 food distribution centers (soup kitchens and food pantries) or other food distribution programs and those programs rely on food banks like the OC Food Bank. 

The OC Food Bank, a program of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, unites communities to end hunger and malnutrition by partnering with The OC Food Bank, a program of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, unites communities to end hunger and malnutrition by partnering with more than 300 local charities, soup kitchens and community organizations. 

Through donated food, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities and purchased food, and the generous support of individuals they are able to support nonprofit agencies in Orange County serving low-income and food insecure families and individuals. 

In a typical year, the food bank distributes more than 23 million pounds of food. 

OC Food Bank has been helping residence of OC since 1965.

Please consider joining HHROC by donating to help dissolve hunger in Orange County.

DONATE HERE

• https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HFTH/team/HousingisaHumanRight

Food insecurity affects hundreds of thousands of people in Orange County including infants, children, seniors, disabled, veterans, and more. This seems like an insurmountable problem but here's a few ways you can help.

DONATE

• https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HFTH/team/HousingisaHumanRight

VOLUNTEER

You...and maybe your family or best friend(s) can volunteer at a community soup kitchen, food pantry, or with a charitable non-profit that conducts a community food share.

Here is a link to find a place to volunteer that is close to your community.

• https://www.rcocdd.com/client-services/help-for-other-needs/food-resources-and-pantries-in-orange-county/

GET INVOLVED

Get involved by contacting your elected city and county officials to share your serious concerns about how too many people (infants, children, seniors, disabled, veterans, and others) are food insecure in one of the wealthiest counties in California.

Using the link below, you can find your city and county representative and find out when your city council meets and when the OC Board of Supervisors meet so you can attend to give public comments sharing your concerns and demands. You can also email your city and county elected officials if you are unavailable to attend meetings in person.

• https://housingisahumanrightoc.org/tool-kit/

VOTE

Even though voting is over for the next couple of years, now is the time to begin learning about potential future candidates that will prioritize helping to make a positive difference by dissolving food insecurity for the least fortunate in your community, city, and county.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Print out and share these documents using the QR codes and/or download and print above pages. Share with your group, club, friends, family, school, business, and neighbors.