Food Security

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

STE(A)M Activity - Plates and Populations: Protein Across the World

CREATE YOUR OWN - Submit Lesson Plan here   or utilize a previous lesson created by DIG from our Lesson Library.

Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Food Security Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

Food insecurity affects over 10% of American households each year, made worse by food deserts that limit access to fresh, nutritious food options. Food deserts are areas that lack easy, cheap access to unprocessed foods and fruits/vegetables. Factors such as high living costs, low wages, and systemic barriers trap families in a cycle of poverty and hunger. Furthermore, this sets up for environmental degradation due to commercial agriculture.Commercial agriculture depletes soil quality, pollutes water sources, and increases air pollution due to long-distance transportation. These challenges harm public health, reinforce systemic barriers, and strain the natural resources that we rely on.  

Why should we care?

Food security significantly impacts individuals' well-being and quality of life. When families cannot afford or access nutritious food, they remain trapped in a cycle of poverty primarily due to the fact that purchasing goods in smaller amounts is more costly per unit compared to buying in bulk, hindering the economic growth in their communities and across the nation. A lack of reliable food can lead to social instability and higher crime rates, especially among vulnerable and marginalized communities. Globally, food security is essential for sustainable development - improving health, reducing poverty, and supporting environmental sustainability. Food shortages and insecurity can fuel international conflicts and migration, destabilizing global security, and overall leading to an environmental decline. 

What can we do?

We can help address food insecurity by increasing food availability through investments in sustainable agricultural practices and better infrastructure to store and distribute food efficiently. Reducing food waste is critical, with an estimated 30-40 percent of the American food supply being wasted or thrown away. Promoting nutritional education empowers individuals to make healthier choices and stretch limited resources. Supporting food assistance programs and volunteering at organizations, such as SNAP, food banks, and community food drives ensures that more people have access to healthy meals. Tackling root causes like poverty, climate change, and conflict will lead to long-term solutions that break the cycle of hunger, creating a more secure, equitable future for all people.