Topline:
A recent USC study finds that about 1 million households in Los Angeles County are experiencing food insecuirty — a 6% increase from last year.
Who it affects: According to the figures — women, Blacks and Latinos, and low-income residents are among those disproportionately affected.
Why it's happening: The report suggested inflation in food prices as a possible cause, as well as the end to a pandemic-era increase of CalFresh benefits.
A recent USC study finds that about 1 million households in Los Angeles County are having trouble accessing enough food — a 6% increase from last year.
"That's actually the highest rate [of food insecurity] we've recorded since 2010," said Kayla de la Haye, who directs the Institute for Food System Equity at USC and is the study's lead author.
According to the figures — women, Black and Latino, and low-income residents are among those disproportionately affected. Specifically:
"Black and Latino County residents are more than two times more likely to be food insecure compared to white residents in the County," said de la Haye.
And an alarming number of the affected households have children.
"The consequences of this can really set these kids on to poor trajectories for their health and their well being in the long run," said Kayla de la Haye. "They may have more trouble concentrating, more risk for anxiety."
The report suggested inflation in food prices as a possible cause, as well as the end to a pandemic-era increase of CalFresh benefits.