Introduction
Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food insecurity is the inverse of that, it is the consistent lack of affordable, nutritious food.[1] The availability of food is also a factor of food insecurity. For a family, food insecurity would mean that all the members of the household do not always have access to enough food for a healthy and active life.[2] Food insecurity leads to hunger and, potentially, fear of starvation. Food insecurity also means that individuals food supply is susceptible to possible disruptions such as drought, floods, low crop yield, economic instability, wars and shipping issues.[3] Many individuals in McLean County experience or have experienced food insecurity.[4] There are several organizations, local, statewide, or federal, that work to combat food insecurity in Bloomington Normal.[5]
Table of Contents |
Prevalence |
Dimensions of food security |
Data |
Causes |
Effects |
Resources |
Assistance Models |
See also |
References |
Prevalence
According to Feeding America in 2022 a little over 20,000 individuals, including children, experienced food insecurity.[6] Due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing prices these numbers have probably risen throughout the years.[7] Many individuals face food insecurity in Bloomington Normal as evidenced by the need for so many resources to combat the issue.[8] The issue seems to be slowly improving in Bloomington Normal because of the efforts of the various organizations in town. During COVID-19 there were federal benefits opened for those who needed them, however, after the pandemic these benefits were no longer available and there was a noticeable increase in food insecurity, things like SNAP benefits are still readily available to anyone who needs them.[9]
Much of the west side of town is in what is described as a “food desert”.[10] A food desert is defined by the USDA as lack of proximity to food providers, this term does not encompass issues like racism, cost of living, poverty, cultural appropriateness of availably foods and the ability for individuals to grow their own foods.[11] There has been an effort to somewhat solve the issue of the west side of town being a food desert by constructing a grocery store on that side of town, specifically one close to ISU so students would not live in a food desert while living on campus, however the project lost funding and was unable to follow through to completion.[12]
Food security in Bloomington Normal with darker colors indicating less insecurity. [13]
Dimensions of food security
The dimensions of food security are; availability, access, utilization, stability, agency and sustainability.[14] The World Health Organization (WHO) determined the first three dimensions, also known as the first three “pillars” of food security; availability, access and utilization.[15] The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) later added stability as a fourth “pillar”.[16] In 2009, at the World Summit on Food Security availability, access, utilization, and stability were recognized to be the four pillars of food security in the definition of food security.[17] Agency and sustainability were defined as part of the six dimensions of food insecurity in 2020 by the High-Level Panel of Experts for the Committee on World Food Security.[18]
- Availability is the supply of food through distribution and production. Food production is affected by a variety of factors, things like land use, soil management, crop selection, livestock and harvesting.[19] Food must be distributed to the community through some means, things that are required when distributing food are storage, processing, the transportation of the produce, and the packaging of food. Issues in the distribution and production of food can cause food insecurity within communities as low supply means that food must be charged for more, particularly affecting low income or unemployed individuals.[20]
- Access is the affordability and allocation of food. Food insecurity is often caused by an inability to access food, not a lack of food. Poverty is a large factor in the accessibility of food and is one of the leading causes for food insecurity.[21]
- Utilization is the way that food is utilized when it is obtained. Food security is not only defined by the ability to get food but also the ability to meet the body's nutritional needs.[22] Utilizing food in a safe and healthy way is crucial to maintaining food security.[23]
- Stability is the ability to maintain a stable supply of food over time. Food insecurity can be seasonal, chronic or transitory.[24] Factors such as weather conditions, transportation, accessibility and availability all contribute to the stability of food security.[25]
- Agency is the capacity to make decisions about what to eat. Poverty can impact this as individuals can lack the ability to choose what their next meal will be. Agency also refers to the ability to engage with the processes that define the food system policies and governance.[26]
- Sustainability is the long-term ability to provide food security and nutrition to future generations in a way that does not compromise economic, social or environmental for individuals.[27]
The dimensions of food security are mainly used as definition and a metric to measure the impact of food insecurity. These dimensions are widely agreed upon and are consistently used to provide an accurate definition of food security by organizations.[28]
Data
Data regarding food insecurity is gathered by Feeding America and released 2 years after the data is collected, so in 2024 the most recent data available for the public from Feeding America was collected from 2022 the most recent data available in 2023 was from 2021 and so forth.[29] Annually, Feeding America releases what they call "Map the Meal Gap" this is a interactive map that details the effects of food insecurity, the average cost of a meal, statistics regarding different ethnicities relationships to food insecurity, child hunger, different aged adults hunger, the percentage of the population that qualifies for SNAP benefits and the annual budget shortfall of areas statewide and below.[30] The Economic Research Service also produces an annual report regarding food insecurity which tracks both the use of federal food and nutrition assistance programs.[31]
Food security is tracked by the food environment index.[32] This index tracks the percentage of the population that does not have access to a reliable source of food and the percentage of the population that is low-income and has low access to grocery stores.[33] The index ranges from 0 (worst) to 10 (best) and weighs the two measures equally. Mclean County’s food index increased from 2018-2022, the index went from 7.6 (the baseline data) to 8.1 (newest data).[34] The food insecurity in McLean County rate went from 12.1% to 9.2% from 2016 to 2022.[35]In 2022 2,792 pounds of fresh produce was donated for distribution to community members and over 12,000 pounds of food was donated in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.[36]In 2022, 2,400 pounds of produce was donated to the community, 392 pounds of produce from community gardens were donated by OSF and Carle.[37] In 2021, 2,722 pounds of produce from gardens at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and Sunnyside Garden were donated and in 2020, 3,160.1 pounds were donated by Carle BroMenn Medical Center, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, West Bloomington Revitalization Project and Sunnyside Garden.[38] During the Farmer’s Market, in 2022, 260 unique SNAP participants were tracked, 282 were counted in 2021.[39]
In 2023, at a national scale, 21.7% of households with an annual income below 130% of the poverty line experienced low food security.[40] 15.6% of households experienced very low food security.[41] This was in a pool of 16,599 low income households.[42] Out of 330,691 individuals, 9.3% of individuals were found to have low food security and 5.0% of individuals experienced very low food security.[43]
Causes
There are a few broad causes for food insecurity in Bloomington Normal, there are also personal issues that can lead to food insecurity.[45]
The general causes of food insecurity are;
- Low access to grocery stores.
- Foods that are too expensive for individuals to afford.
- Lack of or inaccessibility to nutrient foodstuffs (fresh vegetables, meats, fruits).
- Occurrences such as droughts.
- Low crop yield.
- Shipping issues can impact suppliers' ability to provide food to grocery stores of food pantries/banks.[46]
Personal issues that may cause food insecurity are;
- Low income or unemployment.
- Not being able to travel to a grocery store or food bank.
- Not being able to support families.[47]
Effects
Food insecurity can have serious repercussions on economic, legal, mental and physical health of individuals.[48]Famine and hunger are both byproducts of food insecurity, chronic food insecurity leads to high vulnerability to famine and hunger.[49] Food insecurity can also have an impact socially, because food insecurity is often caused by poverty, a high concentration of food insecure individuals can lead to areas being seen as poor or to-be-avoided, in this regard, food insecurity effects the social perception of people struggling with it, areas where it is a larger, more noticeable issue, organizations that attempt to quell the issue and the people who did struggle with it but overcame food insecurity.[50]
The effects food insecurity has economically worldwide are staggering. In America alone 47 million people are stated to be food insecure. Economically it would take a huge amount of money for America to completely negate this issue and ensure that no American is food insecure.[51] On a personal level, food insecurity can also have major economic repercussions, food insecurity can lead people to make rash economic decisions that may temporarily solve their issue of food insecurity but can also worsen their economic situation later down the line. Just as people can make rash economic decisions because of food insecurity, so can they feel pressured to turn to something extreme to solve their issue. [52]
Mentally, food insecurity can have long lasting effects. Living with food insecurity can cause many mental health issues like depression, sleeping disorders, anxiety or even drawing people to suicide. Even after someone has recovered from food insecurity the experience may still cause mental health issues later in their life.[53]
Malnutrition and malnourishment can cause very serious physical health issues and can lead to death. Human bodies can respond to chronic hunger by decreasing body size, this is known medically as stunting or stunted growth.[54]Stunted growth starts before a baby is born if the mother is malnourished, this process continues through around the third year of a child's life.[55] Stunted growth leads to higher child mortality. Once stunting has occurred within a child, improving the child's nutritional intake after the age of about two years is unable to reverse the damage. Malnutrition can also lead to defects in cognitive development.[56]
Resources
There are many food pantries/banks, there are community farms and gardens, and there are some organizations that offer meals. The City of Bloomington compiled a list of the resources available to those who need it, this list is susceptible to change as organizations can go out of business or shut down.[57]
- St. Vincet De Paul Food Pantry is a religious food pantry that offers fresh, and canned foods for deliveries. The organization also has volunteer drivers who pick up donations from farms, grocery stores, food banks and individuals. The organization also creates family size food packages from the bulk food they collect.[58]
- Free Summer Meals – District 87 offers meals to anyone under the age of 18. They also have a pickup service where parents or guardians can pick up food without children being present. They offer meals at the Boys and Girls Club and First Christian Church on Mondays through Fridays. They offer meals at meals at Bent Elementary School, Irving Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School, Stevenson Elementary School, Bloomington High School, Friendship Park, Gettysburg Drive & Todd Drive, Arbors at Eastland (by the pool), Rainbow Avenue & Ridgeport Avenue and Lee Street & Union Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursday's mobile food delivery is offered at Holton Homes, Evergreen Park and Wood Hill Family Homes.[59]
- The Food Forest attempts to emulate the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Anyone can go to the Food Forest; however, the food is grown but not harvested, so people must pick their own food, and you will not be able to get produce that is not in season.[60]
- Salvation Army is a religious organization that offers multiple services including a food pantry. They require a Photo ID and a current piece of mail.[61]
- Home Sweet Home Ministries is a religious organization that offers food boxes and lunch/dinners. They run the Bread for Life Co-op which acts as a sort of grocery store. Families in need for food can visit Bread for Life and either work two hours or work one hour and pay $5 for food, this work earns individuals a trip to the “store”. Bread for Life also offers emergency food assistance when necessary. Memberships are required for Bread for Life and individuals can only get groceries from Bread for Life twice a month.[62]
- Women, Infant and Child (WIC) is a federal organization that provides food for pregnant women and children under five years old. WIC also provides support to caregivers such as grandparents, dads and foster parents. WIC provides both free food and education on proper nutrition and eating habits.[63]
- Eastern Illinois Food Bank does not provide support to the public directly, instead, Eastern Illinois Food Bank provides access to information and organizations in the community that help with food insecurity.[64]
- Apostolic Pentecostal Church Food Pantry is a religious food pantry run by Apostolic Pentecostal Church. They offer free food to the Bloomington Normal community through a food pantry that is akin to a grocery store.[65]
- The Boys and Girls Club offers free meals and monthly food boxes. Free meals are on Monday- Friday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm while supplies last at 1615 Illinois Street, Miller Park, Orlando & Northbrook and Tony's Diner. Monthly food boxes are picked up at 1615 Illinois Street on the 3d Friday of the month from 3:00pm to 4:30pm while supplies last.[66]
- Western Avenue Community Center offers food boxes to anyone who needs it. Western Avenue Community Center is partners with the Tinervin Family Foundation which supplies them with produce, hygiene products and non-perishable food.[67]
- Ministry & More is a religious food pantry. Ministry & More gives individuals access to the food pantry once every two weeks and supplies them with one bag of food staples, plus household products, frozen meat, bread, and fresh produce as available. Ministry & More also leads any individual who seeks their help in prayer.[68]
Along with these local resources there are also federal organizations dedicated to stopping to effects of food insecurity.[69] The largest of the organizations is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the only federal program that is available for anyone to apply for, to receive SNAP benefits one must submit an application and the state must approve said application.[70]
Other notable federal resources are the:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women.
- Infants, and Children (WIC).
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- Summer Food Service Program (SUN).
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).[71]
For a complete list of federal resources, benefits, and eligibility consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).[72]
Assistance Models
There tend to be three different types of food assistance models, co-op's, pantries/banks, and programs.[73]
Co-op's
- Co-op's employ a "labor as payment" model.[74] There is only one food co-op in Bloomington Normal: Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM). HSHM's requires individuals to be a member (must present a valid ID but there is no entrance fee required), once one has a membership, individuals my spend two hours working at the co-op, or one hour working and paying a fee of $5, to earn a shopping trip. There may be up to two trips for an individual per month.[75]
Pantries/Banks
- Pantries are walk-in assistance programs. Individuals may come in once open, and food is supplied for free to those who need it. Depending on the organization, there may be a limit to the amount of food one person can take in once trip.[76]
Programs
- Programs tend to be operated independently of individuals, these organizations tend to require a sign-up or membership and provide a service to members. This service may be in the form of a boxed lunch or reduces prices on produce.[77]
See also
Food Security in the U.S. (2023)
References
[1] "DECLARATION OF THE WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY". World Summit on Food Security. (16-18 November 2009). Accessed 15 April 2025 fromhttps://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/wsfs/Summit/Docs/Final_Declaration/WSFS09_Declaration.pdf
[2] Gary Bickel; Mark Nord; Cristofer Price; William Hamilton; John Cook. "Guide to Measuring Household Food Security". USDA Food and Nutrition Service. (2000) Accessed 15 April 2025 from https://web.archive.org/web/20131104185458/http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsec/files/fsguide.pdf
[3] "The State of Food Insecurity In the World: The multiple dimensions of food security". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2013). Accessed 15 April 2025 fromhttps://www.fao.org/4/i3434e/i3434e.pdf
[4] "Mind the Meal Gap". Feeding America. (2022). Accessed 4 March 2025 from https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2017/overall/illinois/county/mclean
[5] "Food Assistance". City of Bloomington Illinois. Accessed 4 March 2025 from https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/community/assistance/food-assistance
[6] "Mind the Meal Gap". ibid.
[7] Jane Carlson. “Addressing the root causes of food insecurity”. NPR Illinois. (25 July 2023). Accessed 18 February 2025 fromhttps://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2023-07-25/addressing-the-root-causes-of-food-insecurity
[8] Madison Stratton. ““Feeding Families Are What Really Matters”: How to Lower Food Insecurity in Bloomington”.WFHB. (15 July 2024). Accessed 19 February 2025 from https://wfhb.org/news-public-affairs/feeding-families-are-what-really-matters-how-to-lower-food-insecurity-in-bloomington/
[9] Jane Carlson. “Addressing the root causes of food insecurity”. ibid.
[10] Jack D Alkire. “How McLean County groups, volunteers are fighting to end food insecurity". The Pantagraph. (31 July 2022) Accessed 4 February 2025 fromhttp://pantagraph.com/news/local/how-mclean-county-groups-volunteers-are-fighting-to-end-food-insecurity/article_266b81de-0eed-11ed-8fe0-a34af0fdac2c.html
[11] "Defining Low-Income, Low-Access Food Areas (Food Deserts)". Congressional Research Service. (1 June 2021). Accessed 4 March 2025 from https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11841
[12] Lexus Gruszka. “What the Illinois Grocery Initiative means for Uptown Normal”. THE VIDETTE. (5 September 2024). Accessed 30 January 2025 from https://www.videtteonline.com/news/what-the-illinois-grocery-initiative-means-for-uptown-normal/article_eec4ca84-0377-11ef-b171-e768a7e02f8e.html
[13] Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Accessed 8 May 2025 from https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=3b1e0a2c255d4a0fab06631871e0ce64
[14] "DECLARATION OF THE WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY". ibid.
[15] "Food Security". World Health Organization. (1996). Accessed 17 April 2025 from https://web.archive.org/web/20040806144802/http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story028/en/
[16] "Agricultural Development Economics". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed 17 April 2025 from https://web.archive.org/web/20120515104207/http://www.fao.org/economic/esa/esa-activities/en/
[17] "DECLARATION OF THE WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY". ibid.
[18] "Food Security and Nutrition Building a Global Narrative Towards 2030". Committee on World Food Security. Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8357b6eb-8010-4254-814a-1493faaf4a93/content
[19] PJ Gregory; JSI Ingram; M Brklacich. "Climate change and food security". National Library of Medicine. (24 October 2005). Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1569578/
[20] "Agriculture food and nutrition for Africa - A resource book for teachers of agriculture". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (1997). Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://www.fao.org/4/W0078E/W0078E00.htm
[21] PJ Gregory; JSI Ingram; M Brklacich. "Climate change and food security". ibid.
[22] Oliver Ecker; Clemens Breisinger. " The Food Security System: A New Conceptual Framework". International Food Policy Research Institute. (March 2012). Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254416916_The_Food_Security_System_A_New_Conceptual_Framework
[23] "Agriculture food and nutrition for Africa - A resource book for teachers of agriculture". ibid.
[24] Oliver Ecker; Clemens Breisinger. " The Food Security System: A New Conceptual Framework". ibid.
[25] "Agriculture food and nutrition for Africa - A resource book for teachers of agriculture". ibid.
[26] - [27] "Food Security and Nutrition Building a Global Narrative Towards 2030". ibid.
[28] "DECLARATION OF THE WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY". ibid.
[29] "Food Insecurity Report Briefs". Feeding America. (14 May 2024). Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/map-the-meal-gap/overall-executive-summary
[30] "Mind the Meal Gap". ibid.
[31] Matthew P. Rabbitt; Madeline Reed-Jones; Laura J. Hales; Michael P. Burke. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2023". Economic Research Service. Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/109903/AP-124.pdf?v=80444
[32] - [38] "Community Health Improvement Plan" Carle BroMenn. (2022). Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://carle.org/2020-2022/carle-bromenn-hospital/carle-bromenn-hospital-2020-2022-mclean-county-community-improvement-plan-final.pdf
[39] - [42] Matthew P. Rabbitt; Madeline Reed-Jones; Laura J. Hales; Michael P. Burke. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2023". Economic Research Service. Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/109903/AP-124.pdf?v=80444
[43] Jane Carlson. “Addressing the root causes of food insecurity”. ibid.
[44] "DECLARATION OF THE WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY". ibid.
[45] Jane Carlson. “Addressing the root causes of food insecurity”. ibid.
[46] - [47] Melaku Ayalew. "Food Security and Famine And Hunger". Accessed 22 April 2025 from https://web.archive.org/web/20131021163123/http://www.cnisbss.org/Newsline/PDF/LJR_19092007/Food%20Security%2C%20Famine%20%26%20Hunger%281%29.pdf
[48]-[50] Jack D Alkire. “How McLean County groups, volunteers are fighting to end food insecurity". ibid.
[51] "Mind The Meal Gap". ibid.
[52] Greyson Sheese. "Food Insecurity In Bloomington Normal IL". (10 May 2025). Accessed 10 May 2025 from https://rss.com/podcasts/food-insecurity-hcc-engl-102/2026942
[53] Di Fang; Micheal R Thomsen; Rodolfo M Nayga Jr. "The association between food insecurity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic" (21 July 2020). Accessed 10 May 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8006138/
[54] Sumonkanti Das; Zakir Hossain; Mossamet Kamrun Nesa. "Levels and trends in child malnutrition in Bangladesh". (25 April 2009). Accessed 12 May 2025 from https://doi.org/10.18356/6ef1e09a-en
[55] Pernilla Svefors. "Stunted growth in children from fetal life to adolescence : Risk factors, consequences and entry points for prevention - Cohort studies in rural Bangladesh". (2018). Accessed 12 May 2025 from https://search.worldcat.org/title/1038614749
[56] Robert William Fogel. "The escape from hunger and premature death, 1700-2100 : Europe, America, and the Third World". (2004). Accessed 12 May 2025 from https://search.worldcat.org/title/53903770
[57] "Food Assistance". City of Bloomington Illinois. Accessed 12 May 2025 from https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/community/assistance/food-assistance
[58] "Food Pantry". St. Vincet De Paul Food Pantry. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://svdp-htpantry.org/food-pantry/
[59] "Free Summer Meals". District 87. (2020). Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24776/637290360890870000
[60] "What is a Food Forrest?". Project Food Forrest. Accessed 13 May 2025 from http://projectfoodforest.org/what-is-a-food-forest/
[61] "Salvation Army". Salvation Army. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/bloomington/
[62] "HSHM". Home Sweet Home Ministries. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://hshministries.org/
[63] "WIC: USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children". Food and Nutrition Service. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
[64] "Eastern Illinois Foodbank". Eastern Illinois Foodbank. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.eifoodbank.org/
[65] "The Pantry" Apostolic Pentecostal Church. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://theapc.org/
[66] "Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal". Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://bgcbn.org/
[67] "Food Programs". Western Avenue Community Center. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.westernavenuecc.org/food-programs
[68] "Ministry & More, Inc." Ministry & More, Inc. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.ministryandmore.org/
[69] "FNS Nutrition Programs". Food and Nutrition Service. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.fns.usda.gov/programs
[70] "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)". Food and Nutrition Service. Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
[71] - [72] "FNS Nutrition Programs". ibid.
[73] - [75] "Food Insecurity In Bloomington Normal IL". ibid
[76] Tori Waite. "What is the difference between a food bank and food pantry?". Feeding America. (20 February 2019). Accessed 13 May 2025 from https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/what-difference-between-food-bank-and-food-pantry
[77] "FNS Nutrition Programs". ibid.