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Food insecurity is an economic and social indicator of the health of a community. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than one in ten households in Hampton Roads experience food insecurity. This means that more than 180,000 people in our region do not have access to adequate food, and in many cases, they are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Norfolk has the highest rate of food insecurity compared to any nearby city.
As Norfolk’s Mayor, food insecurity will be a primary concern and we will address the uncertainty of availability and make every effort to ensure nutritionally adequate foods for all needy families and individuals are accessible. However, food insecurity is more than an empty stomach… it is associated with chronic health problems in adults including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and mental health issues including major depression. Furthermore, food insecurity lowers productivity affecting academic performance, and for young children, it leads to overall poor health. I am committed to working with local community-based organizations to help secure healthy meals for everyone in Norfolk.
