To help us be on the same page for the discussion.
Food Insecurity: The lack of reliable access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Underemployment: Working in jobs that do not provide enough hours or income to meet financial needs.
Living Wage: A wage that is high enough to cover basic living expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare.
Wage Stagnation: The lack of significant increase in wages over time, making it harder for workers to afford necessities.
Economic Inequality: The growing gap between income levels, affecting access to essential resources like food.
Gig Economy: A labor market characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, often without benefits or job security.
The Benefits Cliff: The point at which individuals lose access to food assistance due to earning just above eligibility thresholds.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): A federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
Food Justice: The movement advocating for fair access to affordable and nutritious food for all.
Systemic Poverty: Economic conditions and policies that keep people trapped in cycles of financial hardship.
Cost of Living: The amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.
Invisible Hunger: Food insecurity experienced by individuals who do not fit traditional stereotypes of poverty.
Structural Barriers: Economic and policy-based obstacles that prevent access to stable employment and food security.
Dignity of Work: The idea that employment should provide financial stability and meet basic human needs, including food.
