The number of families in Wyoming and across the nation struggling to put food on the table rose dramatically last year, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2021, 13 million Americans did not know where their next meal would come from. .
Despite the roaring economy, food insecurity got worse in 2022 - nationally and in Los Angeles County. New data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows 12.8% of American households were food insecure last year, an increase of more than 2.5% from 2021. .
A new government report highlighted the urgent need to keep food waste out of landfills, noting 30% to 40% of food produced in the U.S. is never eaten. The percentage of food waste is especially alarming for states with the highest rates of food scarcity such as New Mexico. .
Two Colorado mothers are helping lead a school food pilot program within the Jefferson County School District in Edgewater in an effort to not only provide healthier meals, but culturally relevant foods. Esther Caldera, a community leader and mother involved in the Jefferson Area Schools Food Pilot, said it began even before the state s Healthy School Meals for All program, a ballot initiative that passed last year. Caldera said school meals have improved, more needs to be done to ensure kids can have access to healthier foods that they truly enjoy. .