What's Up with School Lunch: Food Insecurity Is a Health Emergency
- Chrissy J, MD
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Back to school is here and that means the debates about school lunch and unhealthy additives are sure to return. But what about those who don't have access to food outside of school? Food insecurity affects more than hunger—it impacts long-term health.
It’s linked to:
- Poor academic performance in children
- Increased ER visits and hospitalizations
- Higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression
Millions of people—including working families—struggle to afford healthy meals. And food deserts, where fresh food is hard to find, continue to disproportionately affect urban and rural communities. Being aware that access to healthy food is paramount for health and the kiddo's future success! Food pantries and food co-ops can offer some great options but we have to know how maximize their impact.
Try this for a healthy meal that won't break the bank:
Incorporate a Variety of Food Groups: Ensure your groceries include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Buying bulk can save for things like brown rice or beans that won't go bad. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh outside of the growing and harvesting seasons. Fruit is also more expensive outside of the growing and harvesting seasons but frozen fruit can be expensive all year round.
Add Color and Save with Frozen Vegetables: Aim to fill half your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables to maximize nutrients. Shop seasonally or buy frozen options to get what you need without paying premium prices for veggies that are out of season.
Stay Hydrated for Cheap: Drink water or herbal teas instead of sugary drinks to stay hydrated and support overall health. Using a filter rather than bottled water can yield clean and fresh tasting water without costing so much. Herbal teas taste great and are very inexpensive to purchase and make large quantities.
Plan Ahead: Prepare meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options readily available and to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices from restaurants.
Think eating healthy is out of reach? Think again!
Check out this comparison with healthy meal ideas from the ACLM!
Your LivingScript: Try one of these hacks this week and see how much you save! Bonus- Find and support an organization that provides healthy meals for those facing food insecurity.
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