SHREVEPORT, La. – One in seven people struggle with food insecurity in Louisiana, and about 17% of Shreveport’s population are food insecure.

Registered dietitian Courtney Butts joins us to explain what that means, and how we can help. 

What is food insecurity? 

 Someone who is food insecure, is someone who struggles to have access to sufficient food, or food of adequate quality, to meet one’s basic needs. In other words, food insecurity is when there is more month left at the end of the month than funds for food. Often, individuals who are food insecure are having to choose between paying for their light bill or paying for food.

Hunger and food insecurity exist with one another, but they are not necessarily the same. Hunger is the body’s physiological response to not having food. Food insecurity is the consistent lack of access to nutritious foods to support a healthy lifestyle. Food insecure individuals may also have hunger more often due to a lack of consistent access to food.

How can you help?

According to Feeding America, the amount of food insecure people in Louisiana is equal to Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans’ populations combined. This holiday season, consider donating your funds, food, or time for those in need. The Food Bank of NWLA is a great place to start. Food banks are large distribution centers that deliver food to pantries in the surrounding area and also develops programs for children and senior citizens. You can also serve at a local pantry that serves your community or even at a college/university that has a food pantry on campus. 

More ways to help:

https://www.feedinglouisiana.org/

https://www.feedingamerica.org/

Do you have a question for Courtney or a specific topic you’d like her to cover? You can ask the dietitian here!