Community Needs Evaluation Food/Nutrition
Food
Community Needs Evaluation 2010 Update
Metropolitan Social Services Planning & Coordination Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Contents Key Findings
1
Hunger in Nashville
2
Food and Nutrition Needs
2
Food Security
3
Reports from Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
6
Communityh Food Advocates
8
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP‐Food Stamps) 8 Free or Reduced Cost Lunch for Students
10
Senior Nutrition Programs
11
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program‐WIC
12
Nashville Poverty Initiative – Food
13
Key Findings Many low‐income persons have to choose between food and other necessities. •
Nashville continues to have “food deserts” in low income areas.
•
The food insecurity rate for Tennessee is 40th highest among 50 states. There was a 31% increase in the number of persons requesting emergency food assistance from Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The number of individuals receiving food stamps in Davidson County increased by 11.25% between September 2009 and September 2010, and the number of families increased by 13% for the same period. Since the 2‐1‐1 Call Center began in 2004, the number of requests for food plus requests for Food Stamps accounted for 14.6% of the identified needs, higher than for any other single category.
•
•
•
•
76% of Metro School Students receive free or reduced cost lunches.
•
The Women, Infant and Children’s Nutrition Program has seen a 30% increase during the past five years.
•
Senior Nutrition Programs are experiencing an increase in the need for home delivered meals.
1
Hunger in Nashville According to the U. S. Conference of Mayors, 2009 Hunger and Homelessness Survey, between 2008 and 2009 there was an increase of: •
38% in requests for emergency food assistance
•
74% increase in first‐time recipients of food assistance in Nashville
As highlighted in the 2009 Conference of Mayors Report on Hunger and Homelessness, Nashville is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of persons seeking food assistance (many for the first time) due to the economy, as well as the May 2010 flood. Food and Nutrition Needs Grassroots survey participants were asked to identify the greatest need among Food for School Children, Food for Infants and Young Children, Food Stamps, Food Boxes/Food Pantries and Food for Elderly or Disabled Persons. Chart F‐1 shows that Food for Elderly and Disabled persons was identified as the greatest Food and Nutrition need from the 2010 grassroots survey, which had been second in the 2009 survey. In 2010, the second greatest need was identified as Food Boxes/Food Pantries, which had been identified least frequently in 2009. In 2009, the greatest need identified was Food Stamps, which was ranked third in 2010. Chart F‐1: Greatest Need in Food Grassroots Community Survey 2009‐2010
Source: 2009, 2010 MSS Grassroots Community Surveys
As shown in Chart F‐2, the cost of food is increasing, making it more difficult for families in poverty to improve their food choices. The Consumer Price Index shows that from 2006‐2009 the cost of all food items increased 15.6%. This increase has resulted in less purchasing power for low income 2
families. The 0.1 for all spending in 2008 may be due to the sharp decrease in the cost of some items from the previous year (particularly the cost of property and fuel). Chart F‐2: Consumer Price Index, Cost of All Food Items and All Spending 2006‐2009
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Agricultural Sector Aggregate Indicators; U.S. Department of Labor ‐ Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index
Food Security Community food security exists when all community members are able to consume a fresh, local, healthy diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self‐reliance and social justice. With Tennessee’s ranking of 40th highest for food insecurity rates for all states With only 10 states in the United States ranking higher than Tennessee in food insecurity, an increasing number of households in the nation are experiencing food insecurity. Food security for a household means that all household members Many of these households in Davidson have access at all times to enough County are experiencing food insecurity for the first time and are now seeking help from outside food for an active, healthy life. sources for food assistance. According to the Food Research and Action Center's analysis of Food security is a foundation for a survey data collected by Gallup as part of the healthy, well‐nourished Gallup‐Healthways Well‐Being Index, Tennessee ranks fourth in nation in Food Hardship rates. When asked in the last quarter of 2009 (October through December) "Have there been times in the past twelve months when you did not have enough money to buy food that you or your family needed?” 23.1% of households in Tennessee answered "yes.” Food Research and Action Center and Gallup found that 18.5% of U.S. households overall reported food hardship over the same period of time. 3
Food security is closely linked with the amount households spend for food. Access to fresh and healthy foods in several neighborhoods in Nashville is severely limited. In the urban area of Davidson County, Edgehill, North Nashville, and sections of East Nashville, are considered food deserts, which are areas where the primary food options are convenience stores and fast food restaurants, and in which many residents do not have their own means of transportation. Map F‐3 shows the concentration of fast food restaurants and supermarkets, food deserts and direct bus routes to food desert areas. Map F‐3: Food Security‐ Food Access Map Davidson County, 2009
www.restoringnashville.org
4
Chart F‐4 compares the nationwide levels of food insecurity across households, individuals, adults and children. It shows that children are the most likely to be food insecure. Chart F‐4: Food Security by Category United States 1998‐2008
Source: 2010 Hunger Report, Bread for the World Institute
In its State of the States 2010 Report, the Food Research and Action Center noted that Tennessee’s three year average (2006‐2008) 13.5% of households are food insecure, with only ten states having more food insecurity. A nationwide analysis by the Food Research and Action Center found that food hardship rose again in 2009 but not as dramatically as the increase in 2008. They noted that during recent years, the cost of some things (such as the cost of homes) significantly decreased while the cost of food increased. In January 2010, the Food Research and Action Center ranked the states with the highest rates of food hardship for 2009. The top five with the highest rates of food hardship were: Rank 1. Mississippi 26.2% 2. Arkansas 24.0% 3. Alabama 23.9% 4. Tennessee 23.1% 5. Kentucky 22.4%
http://frac.org/
5
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Second Harvest’s vision is one of ending hunger, and they use a network of growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, grocery stores, and individuals to donate food they distribute to 46 counties in Middle Tennessee. They partner with food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child care facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs and distribute food through more than 400 nonprofit organizations. As shown in Chart F‐5, Second Harvest reported a significant increase in the number of Emergency Food boxes distributed as well as individuals served during the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009. Chart F‐5: United States Food Security by Category 2009‐2008
Source: Hunger in America 2010, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
The Food Assistance network of food pantries, kitchens and shelters served by The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (the largest food assistance provider for the 46‐county region) provides emergency food for an estimated 213,200 different people annually. The report on Hunger in America 2010‐ Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report indicates that: •
About 21,100 people receive emergency food assistance in any given week
•
31% of the members of households served by The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee are children under 18 years old
•
About 58% of clients are white, 34% are African American, and 7% are Hispanic and 1% other
•
28% of households include at least one employed adult 6
•
75% had incomes below the federal poverty level during the previous month
•
19% are homeless
•
37% had to choose between paying for food and paying for transportation
In 2009 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee conducted a local area survey in conjunction with the annual Hunger in America Report. Survey participants who received emergency food baskets were asked to indicate if they had to make choices between food and other necessities. Chart F‐6 points out that many people had to choose between food and rent/mortgage, utility bills and/or medicine/medical care. F‐6: Choosing Between Food and other Necessities, Food Basket Participants Survey of 46 Middle and West Tennessee Counties, 2005‐2006, 2009‐2010
Source: Hunger in America 2006 Manna Food Bank; Hunger in America 2010 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report
To stretch their budgets, hot meals programs in the city are serving more casserole‐type entrees and less single‐serving options. One program reported that milk and dessert items are no longer purchased and coffee is only served during the winter months. To keep up with demand, the city’s largest food bank, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee, has begun scheduling additional deliveries to many of its food pantries. 7
Community Food Advocates Community Food Advocates works to end hunger and create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. Community Food Advocates primary programs are Re‐Storing Nashville to ensure that all Nashvillians have access to affordable, healthy foods, Growing Healthy Kids which aims to improve the health and well‐being of school aged children by improving access to healthy and nutritious food at school, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp) outreach to underserved populations. They compiled data that shows the number of individuals receiving SNAP benefits increased from 108,431 in September 2009 to 120,625 in September 2010 in Davidson County. This represents an increase in expenditures from $15.3 million to $17.1 million during that year.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was previously known as the Food Stamp Program and that term is still commonly used. The program focuses on nutrition and putting healthy food within reach for low‐income households. SNAP provides nutritional assistance benefits to low‐income children and families, the elderly, disabled, unemployed and working families. The federally‐funded Food Stamp Program (SNAP) was implemented in 1964. Since that time, malnutrition has been virtually eliminated, although hunger and food insecurity continues in every state. There is a maximum amount of SNAP benefits available, depending on household size. This allotment is based on factors such as income and assets, and most people do not receive the maximum allotment. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services identifies the maximum monthly allotment for households in the continental United States for 2010‐2011 as: •
1 person = $200
•
2 persons = $367
•
3 persons = $526
•
4 persons = $668
•
5 persons = $793
•
6 persons = $952 8
•
7 persons = $1,052
•
8 persons = $1,202
•
Each additional person, add $150
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Memo/2010/080210.pdf During recent years, the American Community Survey reported a consistent demand for SNAP benefits. Chart F‐7 shows that for African American families in Davidson County, the percentage receiving SNAP benefits dropped from 2007 to 2008, and then increased in 2009. For white families, the reverse happened with a greater number receiving SNAP benefits in 2008. Chart F‐7: Percentage of Families Receiving SNAP Benefits by Race Davidson County, 2007‐2009
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007, 2008, 2009 American Community Survey
Although SNAP is a large and well‐established program, not all eligible persons participated for a variety of reasons. In a recent survey conducted by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee consumers were asked why they never applied for SNAP benefits. 9
Chart F‐8 shows that persons who sought Second Harvest food pantry assistance reported several reasons why they had not applied for SNAP benefits, with the largest group of 32.0% believing they did not meet the eligibility requirements because of their income or assets. Chart F‐8: Why Clients of Second Harvest Did Not Apply for SNAP Benefits Survey of 46 Middle and West Tennessee Counties (2009)
Source: Hunger in America‐2010 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report
Free or Reduced Cost Lunch for Students Over 76,000 students attend public schools in Nashville, which is the second largest school district in the state. Students in Metro Nashville Public Schools whose families meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced meals. Students in households getting SNAP benefits, Families First and most foster care children will be eligible for free meals as well as those whose family income levels meet federal low‐income guidelines. 10
Students whose family income levels fall within the reduced price limit are eligible for significantly reduced meal prices. Chart F‐9 shows that the rate of students who participate in free or reduced lunches has grown from 71.9% in 2007 to 75.9% in 2009. Chart F‐9: Percentage of Students Receiving Free or Reduced Lunch Rates Metro Nashville Public Schools, 2007‐2009
Source: Metro Nashville Public Schools; Tennessee Department of Education 2009 Report Card
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support and healthy food vouchers to participants of the program. This program is provided by the Metro Health Department is available to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of five who meet the income requirements. The number of low income mothers participating in the WIC increased from 2006 to 2009, as seen in Chart F‐10. This increase may be due to a number of factors, including the increase in Davidson County’s poverty rate, increasing unemployment and rising food costs. Chart F‐10: Women Infants and Children (WIC) Davidson County 2006‐2009
Source: Metro Department of Health, Office of Women Infants and Children, 2009
11
Senior Nutrition Programs Senior Nutrition Programs consist of congregate and home delivered meals, funded by various funding sources in Middle Tennessee, such as the Greater Nashville Regional Council, TennCare Long Term Care Choices Act, United Way, donations, etc. In Davidson County, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County also provides funding. Senior nutrition programs were developed to reduce hunger and food insecurity, promote socialization of older individuals, promote the health and well‐being of older individuals and delay adverse health conditions through access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health promotion services. Reflecting the aging of America’s population, the age of participants in the Senior Nutrition Programs continues to increase. Related to increased age is declining health status and greater likelihood of disability, which would make seniors more likely to need home delivered meals. As Chart F‐11 shows, the percentage of people receiving home delivered meals has increased, while the percentage of congregate meal site participants has decreased. Providing home delivered meals generally costs more than providing congregate meals, due to increased costs (meal preparation, transportation, personnel, etc.). Chart F‐11: Nutrition Programs for Elderly Residents July 1, 2007‐June 30, 2010 Nashville Tennessee and 13 Contiguous Counties
Source: Greater Nashville Regional Council‐SAMS Agency Summary Report
12
Nashville Poverty Initiative The Nashville Poverty Reduction Initiative Plan identifies these recommended actions for Food: 1. Increase food security 2. Increase enrollment in public food assistance 3. Increase use of local agriculture 4. Reduce childhood obesity rate A Food Implementation Team is working to achieve the recommended actions, which includes leadership from these organizations: •
Metropolitan Nashville Department of Public Health
•
Metropolitan Social Services
•
Second Harvest Food Bank of Nashville and Middle Tennessee
•
Community Food Partners
•
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
13
Community Needs Evaluation 2010 Update
Metropolitan Social Services Planning & Coordination Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Contents Key Findings
1
Hunger in Nashville
2
Food and Nutrition Needs
2
Food Security
3
Reports from Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
6
Communityh Food Advocates
8
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP‐Food Stamps) 8 Free or Reduced Cost Lunch for Students
10
Senior Nutrition Programs
11
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program‐WIC
12
Nashville Poverty Initiative – Food
13
Key Findings Many low‐income persons have to choose between food and other necessities. •
Nashville continues to have “food deserts” in low income areas.
•
The food insecurity rate for Tennessee is 40th highest among 50 states. There was a 31% increase in the number of persons requesting emergency food assistance from Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The number of individuals receiving food stamps in Davidson County increased by 11.25% between September 2009 and September 2010, and the number of families increased by 13% for the same period. Since the 2‐1‐1 Call Center began in 2004, the number of requests for food plus requests for Food Stamps accounted for 14.6% of the identified needs, higher than for any other single category.
•
•
•
•
76% of Metro School Students receive free or reduced cost lunches.
•
The Women, Infant and Children’s Nutrition Program has seen a 30% increase during the past five years.
•
Senior Nutrition Programs are experiencing an increase in the need for home delivered meals.
1
Hunger in Nashville According to the U. S. Conference of Mayors, 2009 Hunger and Homelessness Survey, between 2008 and 2009 there was an increase of: •
38% in requests for emergency food assistance
•
74% increase in first‐time recipients of food assistance in Nashville
As highlighted in the 2009 Conference of Mayors Report on Hunger and Homelessness, Nashville is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of persons seeking food assistance (many for the first time) due to the economy, as well as the May 2010 flood. Food and Nutrition Needs Grassroots survey participants were asked to identify the greatest need among Food for School Children, Food for Infants and Young Children, Food Stamps, Food Boxes/Food Pantries and Food for Elderly or Disabled Persons. Chart F‐1 shows that Food for Elderly and Disabled persons was identified as the greatest Food and Nutrition need from the 2010 grassroots survey, which had been second in the 2009 survey. In 2010, the second greatest need was identified as Food Boxes/Food Pantries, which had been identified least frequently in 2009. In 2009, the greatest need identified was Food Stamps, which was ranked third in 2010. Chart F‐1: Greatest Need in Food Grassroots Community Survey 2009‐2010
Source: 2009, 2010 MSS Grassroots Community Surveys
As shown in Chart F‐2, the cost of food is increasing, making it more difficult for families in poverty to improve their food choices. The Consumer Price Index shows that from 2006‐2009 the cost of all food items increased 15.6%. This increase has resulted in less purchasing power for low income 2
families. The 0.1 for all spending in 2008 may be due to the sharp decrease in the cost of some items from the previous year (particularly the cost of property and fuel). Chart F‐2: Consumer Price Index, Cost of All Food Items and All Spending 2006‐2009
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Agricultural Sector Aggregate Indicators; U.S. Department of Labor ‐ Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index
Food Security Community food security exists when all community members are able to consume a fresh, local, healthy diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self‐reliance and social justice. With Tennessee’s ranking of 40th highest for food insecurity rates for all states With only 10 states in the United States ranking higher than Tennessee in food insecurity, an increasing number of households in the nation are experiencing food insecurity. Food security for a household means that all household members Many of these households in Davidson have access at all times to enough County are experiencing food insecurity for the first time and are now seeking help from outside food for an active, healthy life. sources for food assistance. According to the Food Research and Action Center's analysis of Food security is a foundation for a survey data collected by Gallup as part of the healthy, well‐nourished Gallup‐Healthways Well‐Being Index, Tennessee ranks fourth in nation in Food Hardship rates. When asked in the last quarter of 2009 (October through December) "Have there been times in the past twelve months when you did not have enough money to buy food that you or your family needed?” 23.1% of households in Tennessee answered "yes.” Food Research and Action Center and Gallup found that 18.5% of U.S. households overall reported food hardship over the same period of time. 3
Food security is closely linked with the amount households spend for food. Access to fresh and healthy foods in several neighborhoods in Nashville is severely limited. In the urban area of Davidson County, Edgehill, North Nashville, and sections of East Nashville, are considered food deserts, which are areas where the primary food options are convenience stores and fast food restaurants, and in which many residents do not have their own means of transportation. Map F‐3 shows the concentration of fast food restaurants and supermarkets, food deserts and direct bus routes to food desert areas. Map F‐3: Food Security‐ Food Access Map Davidson County, 2009
www.restoringnashville.org
4
Chart F‐4 compares the nationwide levels of food insecurity across households, individuals, adults and children. It shows that children are the most likely to be food insecure. Chart F‐4: Food Security by Category United States 1998‐2008
Source: 2010 Hunger Report, Bread for the World Institute
In its State of the States 2010 Report, the Food Research and Action Center noted that Tennessee’s three year average (2006‐2008) 13.5% of households are food insecure, with only ten states having more food insecurity. A nationwide analysis by the Food Research and Action Center found that food hardship rose again in 2009 but not as dramatically as the increase in 2008. They noted that during recent years, the cost of some things (such as the cost of homes) significantly decreased while the cost of food increased. In January 2010, the Food Research and Action Center ranked the states with the highest rates of food hardship for 2009. The top five with the highest rates of food hardship were: Rank 1. Mississippi 26.2% 2. Arkansas 24.0% 3. Alabama 23.9% 4. Tennessee 23.1% 5. Kentucky 22.4%
http://frac.org/
5
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Second Harvest’s vision is one of ending hunger, and they use a network of growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, grocery stores, and individuals to donate food they distribute to 46 counties in Middle Tennessee. They partner with food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child care facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs and distribute food through more than 400 nonprofit organizations. As shown in Chart F‐5, Second Harvest reported a significant increase in the number of Emergency Food boxes distributed as well as individuals served during the first nine months of 2010, compared to the first nine months of 2009. Chart F‐5: United States Food Security by Category 2009‐2008
Source: Hunger in America 2010, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
The Food Assistance network of food pantries, kitchens and shelters served by The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (the largest food assistance provider for the 46‐county region) provides emergency food for an estimated 213,200 different people annually. The report on Hunger in America 2010‐ Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report indicates that: •
About 21,100 people receive emergency food assistance in any given week
•
31% of the members of households served by The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee are children under 18 years old
•
About 58% of clients are white, 34% are African American, and 7% are Hispanic and 1% other
•
28% of households include at least one employed adult 6
•
75% had incomes below the federal poverty level during the previous month
•
19% are homeless
•
37% had to choose between paying for food and paying for transportation
In 2009 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee conducted a local area survey in conjunction with the annual Hunger in America Report. Survey participants who received emergency food baskets were asked to indicate if they had to make choices between food and other necessities. Chart F‐6 points out that many people had to choose between food and rent/mortgage, utility bills and/or medicine/medical care. F‐6: Choosing Between Food and other Necessities, Food Basket Participants Survey of 46 Middle and West Tennessee Counties, 2005‐2006, 2009‐2010
Source: Hunger in America 2006 Manna Food Bank; Hunger in America 2010 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report
To stretch their budgets, hot meals programs in the city are serving more casserole‐type entrees and less single‐serving options. One program reported that milk and dessert items are no longer purchased and coffee is only served during the winter months. To keep up with demand, the city’s largest food bank, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee, has begun scheduling additional deliveries to many of its food pantries. 7
Community Food Advocates Community Food Advocates works to end hunger and create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. Community Food Advocates primary programs are Re‐Storing Nashville to ensure that all Nashvillians have access to affordable, healthy foods, Growing Healthy Kids which aims to improve the health and well‐being of school aged children by improving access to healthy and nutritious food at school, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp) outreach to underserved populations. They compiled data that shows the number of individuals receiving SNAP benefits increased from 108,431 in September 2009 to 120,625 in September 2010 in Davidson County. This represents an increase in expenditures from $15.3 million to $17.1 million during that year.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was previously known as the Food Stamp Program and that term is still commonly used. The program focuses on nutrition and putting healthy food within reach for low‐income households. SNAP provides nutritional assistance benefits to low‐income children and families, the elderly, disabled, unemployed and working families. The federally‐funded Food Stamp Program (SNAP) was implemented in 1964. Since that time, malnutrition has been virtually eliminated, although hunger and food insecurity continues in every state. There is a maximum amount of SNAP benefits available, depending on household size. This allotment is based on factors such as income and assets, and most people do not receive the maximum allotment. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services identifies the maximum monthly allotment for households in the continental United States for 2010‐2011 as: •
1 person = $200
•
2 persons = $367
•
3 persons = $526
•
4 persons = $668
•
5 persons = $793
•
6 persons = $952 8
•
7 persons = $1,052
•
8 persons = $1,202
•
Each additional person, add $150
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Memo/2010/080210.pdf During recent years, the American Community Survey reported a consistent demand for SNAP benefits. Chart F‐7 shows that for African American families in Davidson County, the percentage receiving SNAP benefits dropped from 2007 to 2008, and then increased in 2009. For white families, the reverse happened with a greater number receiving SNAP benefits in 2008. Chart F‐7: Percentage of Families Receiving SNAP Benefits by Race Davidson County, 2007‐2009
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007, 2008, 2009 American Community Survey
Although SNAP is a large and well‐established program, not all eligible persons participated for a variety of reasons. In a recent survey conducted by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee consumers were asked why they never applied for SNAP benefits. 9
Chart F‐8 shows that persons who sought Second Harvest food pantry assistance reported several reasons why they had not applied for SNAP benefits, with the largest group of 32.0% believing they did not meet the eligibility requirements because of their income or assets. Chart F‐8: Why Clients of Second Harvest Did Not Apply for SNAP Benefits Survey of 46 Middle and West Tennessee Counties (2009)
Source: Hunger in America‐2010 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Report
Free or Reduced Cost Lunch for Students Over 76,000 students attend public schools in Nashville, which is the second largest school district in the state. Students in Metro Nashville Public Schools whose families meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced meals. Students in households getting SNAP benefits, Families First and most foster care children will be eligible for free meals as well as those whose family income levels meet federal low‐income guidelines. 10
Students whose family income levels fall within the reduced price limit are eligible for significantly reduced meal prices. Chart F‐9 shows that the rate of students who participate in free or reduced lunches has grown from 71.9% in 2007 to 75.9% in 2009. Chart F‐9: Percentage of Students Receiving Free or Reduced Lunch Rates Metro Nashville Public Schools, 2007‐2009
Source: Metro Nashville Public Schools; Tennessee Department of Education 2009 Report Card
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support and healthy food vouchers to participants of the program. This program is provided by the Metro Health Department is available to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of five who meet the income requirements. The number of low income mothers participating in the WIC increased from 2006 to 2009, as seen in Chart F‐10. This increase may be due to a number of factors, including the increase in Davidson County’s poverty rate, increasing unemployment and rising food costs. Chart F‐10: Women Infants and Children (WIC) Davidson County 2006‐2009
Source: Metro Department of Health, Office of Women Infants and Children, 2009
11
Senior Nutrition Programs Senior Nutrition Programs consist of congregate and home delivered meals, funded by various funding sources in Middle Tennessee, such as the Greater Nashville Regional Council, TennCare Long Term Care Choices Act, United Way, donations, etc. In Davidson County, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County also provides funding. Senior nutrition programs were developed to reduce hunger and food insecurity, promote socialization of older individuals, promote the health and well‐being of older individuals and delay adverse health conditions through access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health promotion services. Reflecting the aging of America’s population, the age of participants in the Senior Nutrition Programs continues to increase. Related to increased age is declining health status and greater likelihood of disability, which would make seniors more likely to need home delivered meals. As Chart F‐11 shows, the percentage of people receiving home delivered meals has increased, while the percentage of congregate meal site participants has decreased. Providing home delivered meals generally costs more than providing congregate meals, due to increased costs (meal preparation, transportation, personnel, etc.). Chart F‐11: Nutrition Programs for Elderly Residents July 1, 2007‐June 30, 2010 Nashville Tennessee and 13 Contiguous Counties
Source: Greater Nashville Regional Council‐SAMS Agency Summary Report
12
Nashville Poverty Initiative The Nashville Poverty Reduction Initiative Plan identifies these recommended actions for Food: 1. Increase food security 2. Increase enrollment in public food assistance 3. Increase use of local agriculture 4. Reduce childhood obesity rate A Food Implementation Team is working to achieve the recommended actions, which includes leadership from these organizations: •
Metropolitan Nashville Department of Public Health
•
Metropolitan Social Services
•
Second Harvest Food Bank of Nashville and Middle Tennessee
•
Community Food Partners
•
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
13
