CRUX ESSAY CONTEST WINNER 2019 - 2020
FOOD INSECURITY IN THE U.S.
BY CHR I S T I NA PATRON CAT EGORY : PERSUAS I VE E S SAY
WR I T T EN FOR OCEANA CA L LUM ' S ENGL I SH 1 0 2 C L AS S , FA L L 2 0 1 9
After raising her six children , Christina Patron attended and graduated from Golden West Community College . She is transferring to the University of Irvine to obtain her Bachelor ’ s Degree in Psychological Science . She resides in Huntington Beach where she enjoys spending time with her family . She has a passion for writing : poetry , screenplays , young adult fiction , and children ’ s books . She loves reading , wine tasting , relaxing on the beach , and spending time with her children and her three grandchildren .
Informing Americans about the effect food
insecurity has on many people and the urgency of
eradicating this problem will motivate them to
action ; hence , people will pressure local
governments to provide necessary programs
through effective policies , and individuals will work
Food insecurity affects communities everywhere in the
together within their communities to make food
more accessible .
United States and is the leading cause of hunger and
malnutrition . It affects those of all ages – from children ,
The United States Department of Agriculture
teens , and young adults , to the elderly . Currently , over 42
( USDA ) has been aware of the ongoing problem of
million people in America are affected , of which thirteen
food insecurity that has plagued America since the
million are children , according to a survey by the United
Great Depression . However , it is yet to be resolved .
States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) ( Ward ). There are
The USDA defines food insecurity as , “ a household -
many contributing factors to this ongoing problem , and
level economic and social condition of limited or
many potential solutions have been tried . However , one of
uncertain access to adequate food ” ( Ward ). This
the largest contributors to combating this problem is being
inadequate or unequal food distribution stems from
targeted by budget cuts . Moreover , many people living in the
the gap between the low wages of the poor and the
U . S . are unaware of the threat to programs and do not
high cost of living . This gap should be bridged
realize their voice can have an impact on the solution .
through government benefits ; however , many
Another problem is food waste in the public schools ,
policies fall short in meetings the needs of the
which I have witnessed first - hand . Most people do not
people ( Nestle ). Nationally , one in eight households
is affected , which is inexcusable in a first - world
realize that many schools throw any uneaten food into the
dumpsters instead of it being donated to those in need .
country . Food insecurity leads to hunger
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