Strengthening Food Security
United Way is tackling food insecurity by connecting families to nutritious meals, expanding local food access, and building thriving communities.
Food insecurity affects millions—and it’s about more than hunger. It impacts health, opportunity, and dignity. At United Way, we believe no one should have to choose between nutritious food and other essentials. That’s why we work with food banks, schools, clinics, and community leaders to provide immediate nourishment and long-term support. Whether it’s delivering meals to seniors or building sustainable farms, we’re creating pathways to better health and stability for all.
By The Numbers
The rising cost of living, unexpected job loss, and lack of access to food makes it difficult for many to get the nutrition they need. United Way is committed to bridging this gap by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can put food on the table.
828M
people around the globe regularly go to bed hungry
2.5M
referrals from 211 for help related to food and meal assistance
95%
of individuals helped by United Way ate healthier
What We Do
United Way addresses challenges to food security from emergency relief to long-term, community-driven solutions. We go beyond meal distribution, partnering with local leaders to remove barriers to healthy food and build systems that last. Our work helps families thrive by connecting them with nutrition education, health care, and resources that strengthen food access for generations to come.
Sustainable Access
United Way and our partners are proving that food can be a prescription for health. In South Carolina, food access is integrated into medical care by launching on-site food pharmacies in rural health clinics. Learn more about how United Way connects food access with long-term wellness.
Increasing Access to Food
Read the full story of United Way's innovative approach to making healthy living accessible for everyone through an innovative strategy designed to tackle barriers to food access.
Emergency Relief
United Way supports food banks and community food pantries around the world, ensuring that nutritious meals are available for families in crisis. Our support stocks pantry shelves and funds mobile food distributions to increase access to food.
This video illustrates the power of United Way in the wake of the Maui Wildfires in 2023.
Disaster Recovery
When disaster hits, United Way mobilizes quickly to provide resources for immediate relief including emergency food. We're in our communities for the long haul, supporting interim recovery and long-term rebuilding.
Long-Term Solutions
In South Africa, United Way is transforming food insecurity through urban farming, education, and entrepreneurship. The Urban Agriculture Program equips smallholder farmers to build thriving businesses. School gardens supported by United Way also nourish students and help them succeed in and out of the classroom.
Growing Food Security in Guatemala
In Guatemala, United Way is helping families like Gloria’s build a food-secure future. Through sustainable agriculture, local training, and community partnerships, Gloria is growing a stronger future for her son, Kleberson.
Advocating for Anti-Hunger Programs
Learn more about our U.S. Policy Priorities, where we advocate for strengthening food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the U.S. to increase accessibility to food for low-income households.
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