The number of Mainers who are food insecure has increased significantly in recent years. In Maine, the USDA reports 16.2% of households, or more than 208,000 individuals, are counted as not having enough food. Nearly one in every 4 children are food insecure (Gundersen). Only 22.7% of low-income people ($50,000) eat the recommended amount (Eaton et al). Food insecurity is a serious problem in the state of Maine, but local farming is becoming increasingly popular at a time when there is a thriving national program that allows low-income people to use government-funded credits to buy fresh produce at farmers’ markets (Love, 14). Part of the problem with food insecurity in Maine is that unhealthy food is now cheaper than healthy food. The most affordable food on grocery store shelves is often the least nutritious, and it is proving to be the most costly for our health (Hinsley,
The number of Mainers who are food insecure has increased significantly in recent years. In Maine, the USDA reports 16.2% of households, or more than 208,000 individuals, are counted as not having enough food. Nearly one in every 4 children are food insecure (Gundersen). Only 22.7% of low-income people ($50,000) eat the recommended amount (Eaton et al). Food insecurity is a serious problem in the state of Maine, but local farming is becoming increasingly popular at a time when there is a thriving national program that allows low-income people to use government-funded credits to buy fresh produce at farmers’ markets (Love, 14). Part of the problem with food insecurity in Maine is that unhealthy food is now cheaper than healthy food. The most affordable food on grocery store shelves is often the least nutritious, and it is proving to be the most costly for our health (Hinsley,