Analysis: 792,000 South Carolinians lived in food-insecure households

(The Center Square) — A new analysis found 792,000 people across South Carolina lived in food-insecure households from 2020-22.

According to food insecurity data from the United States Department of Agriculture and analyzed by Hunger Free America, that represents 15.3% of Palmetto State residents. It also includes 19.1% of children in the state (216,725), 12.5% of employed adults (279,382) and 10.1% of older South Carolinians (140,563).

The organization said the cessation of the expanded Child Tax Credit and universal school meals led to the surge. The findings are in the group’s new report, “Hunger is Political Choice.”

“Our report demonstrates child and adult hunger are serious problems in rural, urban, and suburban areas of all 50 states,” Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, said in a release. “This report should be a jarring wake-up call for federal, state, and local leaders.”

By comparison, the analysis found 13.2% of residents in neighboring Georgia were food insecure.

- Advertisement -

According to Hunger Free America, 22% of South Carolinians eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were not receiving the benefit in 2018. WIC had the highest nonparticipation rate, with 59% of eligible people in the state not receiving WIC in 2021.

The South Carolina Food Security Council, which the South Carolina General Assembly established in 2023, is developing recommendations for steps the state might take to lessen food insecurity. The council will submit its report to the legislature by the end of January.

During its December meeting, the committee weighed 18 recommendations, tabling two and signing off on 16 for public comment until Jan. 2. Recommendations include expanding community garden programs, increasing the availability of fresh produce in variety stores, and creating a statewide organization to foster the implementation of the council’s findings.

The council also signed off on a recommendation to allow qualifying South Carolinians with felony drug convictions to be eligible for SNAP benefits. The committee also wants the state to consider increasing the gross income limit for SNAP benefits.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Sound Transit taxes have generated more than $20 billion in almost 30 years

(The Center Square) – In 1996, voters within the...

Game maker challenges Trump’s tariffs as lawsuits pile up

A public-interest law firm filed a lawsuit challenging the...

Texas DPS continues to find missing children, arrest ‘most wanted’ criminals

(The Center Square) – Texas Department of Public Safety...

Report: Over $300M raised for DEI initiatives in higher education across U.S.

A nonprofit organization’s investigation tracked down donations equal to...

Liberty Justice Center seeks damages, reform to prevent improper seizures

(The Center Square) – The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office...

More like this
Related

Sound Transit taxes have generated more than $20 billion in almost 30 years

(The Center Square) – In 1996, voters within the...

Game maker challenges Trump’s tariffs as lawsuits pile up

A public-interest law firm filed a lawsuit challenging the...

House Democrats advance $18B in tax hike proposals as session winds down

(The Center Square) – With only days to fill...

Mistrials hamper Illinois corruption cases with no end in sight to federal investigations

(The Center Square) – Although a mistrial was declared...