Food insecurity exists in every zip code throughout Greater Kansas City. Most people personally know others in their extended family, neighborhood, church or school who are currently struggling or have struggled in the past to provide enough good food for their family. And it’s only getting worse. According to research conducted by CNBC, 63 percent of Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck — including nearly half of six-figure earners. 

With persistent inflation eroding wage gains, the number of Americans living paycheck to paycheck is near a historic high, according to a recent report. And when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, a flat tire or extended illness can force a family to choose six boxes of macaroni and cheese over a bag of apples, or a bag of hamburgers over a healthy meal including a salad or fresh vegetables with a protein source. Persistent food insecurity causes people to make sacrifices – food over medicine, family members going hungry so that their children can eat.