Those who believe that the federal food stamp program does not require cuts, but rather an increase in the budget and an increase in enrollment, can now refer to study to solidify their stance.
A recent study released by Gallup found that one in every five Americans struggles to buy food.
The poll was conducted by the Gallup Healthway Well-being Index on approximately 178,000 people, over a course of six months. Over 18.2 percent, countrywide, say that they've struggled to pay for food in the last year. Gallup's study in 2011 revealed that 18.6 percent could not afford to buy food. This indicates that the effects of the financial crisis have perhaps still not worn off.
The state with the most number of people struggling to buy food is Mississippi, where one in four Americans faces "food hardships." This was followed by the states of Alabama and Delaware. North and South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin, on the other hand, had the least number of people straining to feed their families.
The federal food stamp program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is helping to some extent. SNAP's presence is felt strongly in states where people are most likely to struggle to buy food, including Florida and Mississippi. A Food Research and Action Centre (FRAC) report credits SNAP with helping lift poverty in many states.
People struggling to buy food will only be suffering more, thanks to the drought raging in the mid-western farm belt. A drop in the amount of corn, soy and wheat crops, as forecast by the USDA, will be driving prices up, further putting people in a bind.
However, another recent study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), revealed that Americans throw away food worth $165 million, every year; a 50 percent increase since the 70s.
While many families are struggling to buy food, many others, on an average, throw away food worth $2,275 every month. According to the USDA, this is what makes up the majority of food waste: fresh fish, eggs, fresh fruits and milk. Moreover, over purchasing and plate waste also add to the waste.
But, as the study suggests, this vast amount of food, if unspoiled, can be donated to soup kitchens, food banks and local pantries. It can easily feed around 25 million people.
