Hunger is a universal experience—the rumbling in our stomachs signaling it's time to eat. But for many, hunger goes deeper. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing where or when the next meal will come. While hunger may seem like a distant issue, it exists in nearly every community across America. Hunger is defined as the lack of access to affordable, nutritious food.
Here in North Carolina, where Designed For Joy is based, one in seven people—and one in five children—are facing hunger. According to Feeding America, over 1.5 million households in North Carolina don’t have enough to eat, including 448,460 children. North Carolina ranks as the 10th hungriest state in the nation.
The Interfaith Food Shuttle reports that for many, hunger is just one setback away—a layoff, a medical emergency, or an unexpected bill that depletes savings and forces families into food insecurity.
The Impact of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity affects not just physical health but overall well-being. It increases the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, and contributes to poorer mental health. Children are especially vulnerable, with malnutrition affecting their development, immune systems, and educational outcomes. Hunger also comes with an economic cost—food waste and hunger together cost the U.S. economy billions each year.
Who Faces Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity affects many, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including:
- Black and Hispanic households
- Single-parent households
- Rural communities
- Senior citizens
- Native American communities
Black Americans, for instance, are twice as likely to face food insecurity as white Americans, making hunger a critical racial equity issue.
How Does Designed For Joy Address Food Insecurity and How Can You Help?
At Designed For Joy, we are committed to combating food insecurity among the women we serve. We understand that hunger isn’t just about food—it impacts a person’s ability to thrive in every aspect of life. That’s why we ensure our artisans have access to healthy meals, allowing them to focus on their personal and professional growth.
Here’s how we’re making a difference:
- Volunteer to provide lunch for our artisans on Mondays or Wednesdays.
- Donate $150 to cover a lunch at checkout.
- Shop via Instacart to help stock our fridge and pantry, ensuring our artisans have food for lunches and breakfasts throughout the week.
- Volunteer to pick up food from Ship Pantry Outreach every Monday, helping our artisans feed their families.
But we need your help to continue this work. Whether you donate, volunteer, or shop, your support directly impacts the women we serve. Together, we can reduce food insecurity and help these women build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Sources:
InterFaith Food Shuttle
Move for Hunger
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Code for America
Convoy of Hope
