Despite Connecticut’s perceived wealth, more than one in 10 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger, including over 80,000 children who lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The time to intervene was yesterday, as this deficit hurts the current livelihood and future outcomes of our children. We must take action against food insecurity in Connecticut.

Food insecurity results from systemic inequities and disparities. The problem is not only access, but access to healthy food. We know kids require nutritious food for proper growth and development. Children in school are more successful academically and behaviorally with nutritious meals. Yet many children go to school each day without this guarantee.

As a graduating medical student in Connecticut, I think about the children on my pediatrics rotations. In a primary care clinic, I have seen increasing numbers of patients with obesity who do not have access to nourishing, healthy food. In oncology clinic, I encountered an 8-year-old who survived leukemia but did not always know when or where her next meal would be coming from. Finally, in diabetes clinic, I saw patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels who did not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and instead relied on processed and pre-packaged foods. These children all worry about their next meal but shouldn’t have to.

Several interventions can help reduce food insecurity for children. Government-funded food assistance programs have made tremendous strides towards improving accessibility of food. Still, 48% of those who are food insecure in Connecticut are above the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility threshold. Charitable food assistance programs then become critical as they remove bureaucratic barriers to food access. Nonetheless, for both efforts to be effective we must be aware of available resources and opportunities.

Opportunity 1: Encourage state lawmakers to fund school breakfast and lunch.

During the COVID pandemic, legislation passed in Connecticut provided no-cost school meals to all students in districts participating in the federal School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. This funding was extended to the 2023-2024 school year but will expire at the end of the academic year. HB5008: An Act Concerning Funding for School Breakfast and Lunch would extend the funding, allocating $16 million to the Department of Education for school meal programs through June 2025.

[RELATED: CT lawmakers propose extension of free school meal program]

Free breakfast and lunch at school would provide at least two fresh meals to students daily. Access to fresh local food has been linked to reduction in childhood obesity rates by providing more nutritious meals than those outside of school. As constituents, we should support this bill through written and spoken testimony or by calling or emailing  your local representatives.

Opportunity 2: Donate to or volunteer with a community fridge/pantry.

Community fridges and pantries are a grassroots effort to address hunger at a local level by providing free access to fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and packaged meals without questions asked. By sharing resources, a community fridge/pantry provides food, strengthens the community and helps eliminate food waste.

Community fridges are located throughout Connecticut, including in major cities such as Hartford, New Haven, Middletown and Bridgeport. They rely on donations and support from individuals, local organizations, businesses, and restaurants. Volunteers stock the fridges and maintain the spaces. Whether donating food or time, you can help provide healthy food options for hungry children.

Opportunity 3: Spread awareness.

Knowing that resources for food insecurity exist is just as important as the resources themselves. The leading causes of WIC (Women Infants and Children) and SNAP underuse include lack of program and eligibility awareness as well as logistical barriers. Children and families may also experience shame and embarrassment about being food insecure. It is critical to raise awareness and break down the stigma associated with seeking help.

Food insecurity is a problem in Connecticut. We need to take action. Whether that is helping a parent fill out SNAP applications, spreading the word about food assistance programs, or advocating to your representatives that measures be taken to address this disparity, we all have a role to play. We must be sensitive and compassionate, but we can make a difference.

As a future pediatrician, I want every child to live in a world where they can grow up healthy and achieve their dreams. Accessing food and worrying about their next meal should not keep children from reaching their fullest potential. The opportunities listed above will not end food insecurity, but are a start to ensuring every child has access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Julianna Lee lives in Farmington.