By Derrik Conard, former staff member
A study released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates between 2018 and 2020, close to 120,000 households in Nebraska faced food insecurity, which the agency defines as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active and healthy life.
Leaders in some states, including Nebraska, have taken note. In 2021, the Nebraska Legislature expanded the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to hundreds of additional families by increasing the gross income eligibility limit to 165% of the federal poverty level. But the change is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2023, unless lawmakers extend or make the eligibility limit permanent.
Meanwhile, food prices continue to rise. The Consumer Price Index helps track these changes and for October 2022 shows the 12-month cost increase for all food prepared at home at 12.4%. Dairy prices have seen the highest increase in price at 15.5% and meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are on the lower end with an increase of 8%. Cereals and baked goods have gone up by 15.9%, while fruits and vegetables prices, the last category, rose 9.3%.
These price increases are especially damaging to rural communities. According to a recent study by David J. Peters, as part of Iowa State University’s Small Town Project, from June 2000 and 2022 rural household expenses increased by 18.5%, but earnings only increased by 6.1%. Rural household expenses make up 91% of take-home pay, leaving little left over.
As we navigate higher cost of living expenses, it's important we think about the resources available in our community and where additional assistance is needed. Working together, we can make sure every Nebraskan has the resources they need to put food on the table.
