We may not associate our involvement in civic and social activities as being good for our health, but research conducted by US HHS Dept. and the WHO consistently conclude that it is. So much so that Civic Engagement is considered an important social determinant of health, alongside factors such as employment, housing, literacy, and food access.

Civic Engagement encompasses a wide range of formal and informal activities, including voting, volunteering, and participating in group activities such as membership in formal clubs or organizations. Getting engaged in one’s community has been associated with a range of positive health outcomes such as increased physical activity and increased psychological well-being. People who are engaged in their communities are less likely to experience social isolation which has been linked to anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

What’s the link between civic participation and food security? We know that distributing food alone is not going to end hunger. It’s going to take policy changes at the local, state, and national levels. Those changes will only happen if people are informed about food access and security issues and empowered to advocate for policies that impact them. We all have a stake in using our voice to ensure our neighbors have enough to eat. Through actions big and small, we all can take steps to move the needle on hunger.

With the new year well underway and a new Congress at work in D.C., an alarming reality continues to be true: Food insecurity persists in every county and congressional district across America. For our neighbors with lived experience of food insecurity, there is a critical opportunity to engage people in learning and taking action on issues that affect them.

Some research has shown that communities served by food banks routinely vote and participate in government at lower rates than higher-income neighborhoods, making policymakers less likely to address the needs of those communities which in turn can lead to even greater feelings of disenfranchisement and disengagement. Ensuring that all voices are heard in the electoral process and beyond is essential for addressing disparities in food access. Urging Congress to pass legislation such as a strong farm bill that increases funding for key federal agriculture and nutrition programs can ensure that families have enough to eat for generations. Addressing hunger at its core requires bold policies that create long-term solutions to help ensure everyone has access to the nutritious food we all need to thrive.

Let your voice be heard and take action today: https://feedingamericaaction.org/act/

We’d love to hear from you! In what ways do you practice civic and community engagement?

About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.

The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 42 million pounds of food in 2023. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger by distributing food to nearly 240 partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters, and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more information, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank website.