Sunday, May 3rd, 2020
As America weighs the reopening of our economy against the public health risks of doing so, another related issue is ringing alarm bells: food security. Even prior to COVID-19 millions of Americans faced food insecurity each year. The pandemic has only exacerbated this fact with more individuals and families looking for food assistance each day, stressing emergency food providers to keep up with the current need. Like a flashlight in the dark, the current crisis has revealed many inequities in our communities and one of the things now apparent is the vast number of people who were living without any savings. Low paying jobs, the high costs of living, the lack of employee benefits, and a dearth of affordable housing options all contribute to people’s inability to afford the basic necessities of life. The result can be found in national news stories: after only a couple of weeks of economic inactivity there are mile-long lines of people waiting for their turn at the local food pantries.
Simultaneously, the nation’s food supply chains have exhibited fractures. The issue that has received the most media coverage is the closure of large meat processing plants across the country as employees test positive for the coronavirus. Most Americans consume meat that comes from only a handful of processing plants and the closure of several will have an impact felt by many. President Trump, upon being warned that there would likely be meat shortages with these closures, has ordered meat processing plants to remain open despite the health concerns raised by workers.
The Hudson Valley is fortunate because we do have a lot of small growers and suppliers that can help in meeting the surge of demand for food. However, the farmers in our area are also struggling to adapt to the conditions of the moment. Many farmers are reliant on a wholesale market that has temporarily disappeared along with the closure of restaurants and institutions like schools.
How people eat, what they eat, and where they eat have all changed in recent weeks. The closure of schools means children who normally eat school breakfast and lunch are now consuming these meals at home. Grocery store shoppers have limited choices and are purchasing more non-perishables. Restaurants are only offering take out if they are even open. Some of the region’s farm stands and small grocery stores are closed, or open only for pickup orders. There are countless other examples of how the food system is morphing in response to the current crisis.
The region’s food banks, part of the food safety net, have experienced an increase in demand, a decrease in volunteers (who are often senior citizens and cautiously staying home) and a reduction in donations from restaurants and food retailers. Through a number of creative strategies and the support of many, the region’s food needs are largely being met. However, there are many challenges ahead and the way we respond to this situation will have a lasting impact on how we meet our food requirements going forward.
Pattern will release an issue brief that explores these topics in greater depth.
