Palma 1
ABSTRACT
This research paper will outline the severity and importance of food insecurity within California.
Food insecurity means that there is an economic and social condition of limited or uncertain
access to adequate food source. Explaining the meaning of food insecurity will provide the
knowledge to further understand the truth of the severity of food insecurity currently happening
in California. While there are many reasons for these differences, it’s plausible that the Western
diet may be one contributing factor. And since better academic achievement can lead to better
job opportunities, housing situations, and access to health care, a poor diet in childhood may
result in more serious problems down the line. It also may create a cyclical pattern in future
generations, particularly in areas of low socioeconomic status where other compounding issues
are present. Along with the discovery of the links and effects of hunger and poor nutrition on
development, education, and academic performance of children or college students will play an
important role in the future. In order to help the severity of the truth in food insecurity, the
research will also implement solutions that are being put in action within California. With the
multiple solutions in place, I will analyze the outcome of results and their effectiveness on the
communities.
Palma 2
California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 8
Californians currently struggle with food insecurity. Food insecurity is the occasional or constant
lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life. Food insecurity has serious impacts
on an individual’s well-being, which may result in poor school attendance and performance,
lowered workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. Individuals struggling
with food insecurity have to make tough decisions that no one should face. No family should
have to decide between buying groceries or paying rent, no senior should have to choose
between food and medicine, and no parent should have to skip a meal in order for their children
to eat.
Among western community college students, 53 percent reported they had experienced
housing insecurity in the previous year, and 15 percent reported being homeless for at least part
