YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — A new survey finds nearly one in three households within Yolo County struggle to access food — they aren’t alone.
Many food banks in the greater Sacramento region are struggling now due to a downturn in donations and higher food costs as they see more seeking their services.
The Yolo County Food Access Survey Report finds certain populations are being especially hard hit like: rural areas, and Black and Latino households.
The report also finds nearly 53% of households in Yolo County working in the agricultural industry are food insecure.
Experts say the root cause of food insecurity is related to poverty, and the United States Census Bureau says California has the highest poverty rate in the U.S. at 13%.
"We're really facing a hunger crisis, But this is also a health crisis Because if you're not eating, if you're experiencing food insecurity, that means you're not nourishing your body and all kinds of health consequences will arise,” said Maria Segoviano with the Yolo Food Bank. “It's a pretty serious situation that we're finding ourselves in."
Yolo County isn’t alone in this struggle. River City Food Bank says they’ve seen a 43% increase in need for their services. According to the food bank, that’s 22,000 people in need in Sacramento alone.
Find out how to receive help HERE. For those interested in volunteering or donating to the food bank, click HERE. To read the entire report, click HERE.
