Wisconsin Ag Connection - Is COVID-19 Posing a Threat to Food Security?

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Is COVID-19 Posing a Threat to Food Security?
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 03/31/2020

The COVID-19 public health emergency is creating an urgent food security challenge for households and communities in Wisconsin. That's according to Judi Bartfeld, University of Wisconsin-Madison Food Security Research and Policy Specialist, who said one in eleven households in the state were food insecure before the crisis even began--meaning they did not have assured access to the food they needed.

"Food security in our community rests on four pillars: financial security, robust federal food and nutrition programs, a strong emergency food network, and a vibrant food system," Bartfeld said. "The COVID-19 emergency threatens food security by disrupting these foundations; in terms of food security, the pandemic is a perfect storm."

Food security depends on financial security, and COVID-19 has dealt a major blow to household income. She says when money runs short, households often have to choose between paying for food or paying for rent, utilities, and other essentials.

"Since the onset of the crisis, many thousands of people have lost their job, with well over 100,000 Unemployment Insurance claims since March 15," she noted. "Others are losing pay due to lack of sick leave; still others risk losing their business; and many retirees and others who depend on investments are losing income due to stock market volatility."

Food security also depends on federal food and nutrition programs like FoodShare, school meals, WIC, and senior meal programs. Almost half of public school students in Wisconsin were approved to eat free or reduced price school meals even before the pandemic. With the statewide school closures, districts have had to develop new delivery methods just as need is escalating.

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