Hunger coalition leads multi-faceted fight against food insecurity in Fairfield County

LANCASTER − As of 2021 about 14,000 people in Fairfield County faced food insecurity, or just under 10% of the total population, Fairfield County 2-1-1 Executive Director Jeannette Curtis said.

But that's not the only discouraging number when it comes to food insecurity.

"About 40% of the residents that live in Fairfield County are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or food stamps," Curtis said. "Forty percent of our population is eligible for food stamps. That baffles me."

To combat food insecurity, Fairfield County 2-1-1 overseas the local food coalition.

Food insecurity doesn't necessarily mean someone doesn't have any food, although Curtis said there are those in the county in that position.

"Now food insecurity is I don't have access to the appropriate types of food to live a healthy, active and well life," Curtis said. "Our goal is to get the types of foods and resources in people's hands that lets them lead that type of lifestyle. There are so many health conditions that can be impacted and improved by just having a healthier diet."

The hunger coalition in Fairfield County is a group made up of food pantry coordinators, volunteers, churches and organizations that deal with hunger-related issues in some capacity, Curtis said.

"Our mission is just simply building a healthier Fairfield County," she said. "We're going to do that by reducing hunger. We're going to improve health and we're going to provide hope."

Curtis said the fight against food insecurity is multi-faceted.

"We're going to educate people," she said. "We're going to teach them how to live well on a budget and teach them how to shop on that same budget. We have partnerships with OSU Extension to help cover those two areas. And we have partnerships with all of our food pantries. That's where we really dig into how many people are being served, what those household makeups look like and where the need is."

Those needing food assistance help or any issue related to food insecurity can call Fairfield County 2-1-1 at 740-687-0500 or by simply dialing 211.

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter/X: @JeffDBarron