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One out of every 11 residents in Lancaster County, totaling nearly 50,000 people, faces limited or uncertain access to adequate food, reveals a new hunger mapping study. The study highlights the inequality in food access across the county, with children being more affected than adults. Approximately 1 in 8 children, totaling 15,160, experience food insecurity.

The study also found that Hispanic and Black residents are 3.5 times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to their white counterparts. To address these issues, food bank administrators, health officials, agriculture experts, and nonprofit leaders convened at Southern Market to present the findings of the study.

The report emphasizes that food pantries are often the first point of contact for families struggling with food insecurity. However, access to these pantries is unequal across different regions of Lancaster County. Residents in Southern, southeastern, and northwestern parts of the county have limited options, as there are fewer food pantries available. Additionally, scheduling becomes challenging due to limited weekend and evening hours. Furthermore, the number of Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers at the food pantries is inadequate compared to the number of Spanish-speaking residents in need.

The Lancaster County Community Hunger Mapping Final Report not only analyzes the root causes of food insecurity but also highlights the underutilization of key programs. The lack of coordination, strategic management, and measurement in efforts to improve food access in the county have hindered progress over the years. The report aims to provide a roadmap for more effective advocacy and coordination among those working to reduce food insecurity.

Joe Arthur, the CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, emphasizes that expanding food access is a bipartisan issue, calling for collaboration between local, state, and federal officials.

Food insecurity, as defined by the report, refers to a lack of or limited access to adequate food that meets the nutritional needs of individuals. Adequate calories and access to fruits and vegetables are essential components. The study measures various metrics to map food insecurity, including the number of food pantries, their opening hours, and the impact of regulations on access. It also considers travel distance to reach food pantries and alternative options for obtaining food, such as school breakfast and lunch programs, SNAP benefits, and other federal programs.

Overall, the hunger mapping study sheds light on the extent of food insecurity in Lancaster County and aims to improve access to social services to alleviate this issue.

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