Hunger & Food Insecurity

What is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is when individuals cannot access the nutritious food needed to live life to the fullest. It also means that people do not have enough to eat and don't know from where their next meal will come. To flourish, one must have consistent access to affordable food and beverages that promote one's wellbeing and help prevent disease. Sadly, food insecurity is a growing problem in the United States, in Tennessee, and in our own Portland, TN, community. 

Causes of Food Insecurity

The causes of food insecurity are many and are usually out of the control of most people. Being food insecure can happen to anyone; even a person with a steady income and affordable housing could experience temporary setbacks that lead to food insecurity. Those facing food insecurity often struggle with issues of poverty, unemployment, the high cost of living, an inability to find affordable housing, chronic health conditions, and even discrimination. 

Effects of Food Insecurity

Research has shown that food insecurity and the lack of access to affordable nutritious food are associated with increased risk for multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart decease, and mental health disorders. In children, food security can also negatively affect one's concentration and strength to attend school or fight illnesses including from within the classroom and on the playgrounds. 

Our Goal

At Portland Pay It Forward, we are a food pantry in Portland, TN that seeks to end hunger and food insecurity in our community. As a food pantry, we provide biweekly food boxes to members of our community who are in need. We also post weekly updates to our Facebook page promoting when we get perishables that people can come by our building to pick up. To date and with the help of our wonderful partners, we have given out over 300,000 pounds of food. Over the last five years, we have seen a 250% increase in the number of families who are in need receive food. Just this past Thanksgiving, we had one of the largest food giveaways in our history - 419 families received food boxes to help them through the week.