PRINCETON – There were no groceries visible in a yellow cabinet near the corner of John and Witherspoon streets.
On the side of the cupboard, a message was written in green: “Take what you need – leave what you can”, highlighting the themes of supply and demand as well as the rules of dealing with hunger and helping.
Articles and discussions about food insecurity need to be revised as hunger is creating household challenges across Mercer County. A November 2023 report by Mercer Street Friends addressed the widespread need for solutions to hunger.
“Statistics paint a harsh reality. Over 10% of Mercer County residents are food insecure, and that’s true in every part of our county. That means there’s a 100% chance that someone living next door is hungry. The problem is even more acute in places like our capital city, where 27% of Trenton residents – and 37% of Trenton children – live below the poverty line,” Mercer Street said.
“The face of hunger reflects all the diversity in our county. It’s the children in our classrooms who can’t concentrate because of an empty stomach. It’s the hard-working parents who have to pay bills and shop for groceries and are forced to make agonizing choices between nutrition and other necessities. It’s far too many seniors who are silently battling hunger while living on a fixed income. These faces are more than just statistics. They are our neighbors, our family members and our future.”
According to a press release from the Mercer County Food Bank, in May 2024, “13.9 percent of Mercer County’s population, or 15,410 people, were food insecure, including 4,390 children. The numbers represent a 2 percent increase from 2021. Food insecurity can affect people of all ages, including children and working families. Factors that have contributed to the increase in food insecurity include high costs of living, the end of pandemic assistance programs, and a lack of affordable housing.”
There is no doubt that Princeton residents will fill these empty pantries, while those battling food shortages will take what they need. There are numerous ways to make a positive impact on food insecurity.
September is Hunger Action Month, a perfect time to learn about food insecurity and how each of us can ensure that families in our community have access to sufficient, quality food.
LA Parker is a columnist for the Trentonian. Find him on Twitter at @LAParker6 or by email at [email protected].
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