Why Charitable Food Isn't Reaching Everyone—and What We're Doing About It

Even as food insecurity remains high, a new Urban Institute study reveals a troubling reality: many people who need food assistance are not accessing charitable food programs.

Using data from the December 2024 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, a nationally representative sample of adults ages 18 to 64, the report highlights why people are falling through the cracks—and what must be done to better serve them.

Why This Matters

At the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, we know that food assistance programs are critical lifelines for families, especially in times of crisis. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and continued spikes in food prices, our network of Community Partners has seen increased demand across our region.

But demand alone doesn’t equal access. This report illuminates the barriers keeping many food-insecure adults from getting the help they need.

What the Report Found

• Lack of Awareness
  • Less than half (47%) of food-insecure adults knew where to find free groceries or meals.
  • Only about one-third (34%) felt comfortable seeking help.
• Unmet Need
  • 31% of food-insecure adults reported needing help in the past year but not receiving it.
  • Common reasons: not knowing where to go, discomfort seeking help, and inability to reach open sites.
• Accessibility Challenges
  • 51% of adults who received charitable food still experienced barriers, especially in accessing preferred foods or transportation.
  • Adults with disabilities faced significantly more challenges, including physically carrying food and time constraints.
• Equity and Dignity Concerns
  • 21% of recipients said they felt judged or treated unfairly by program staff or volunteers.
  • Disabled adults were more than twice as likely to report unfair treatment (32% vs. 14%).

What We’re Doing About It

The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and our network of Community Partners are already taking action on the key recommendations highlighted in the Urban Institute’s report—and we’re committed to doing more.

These calls to action are core priorities in our Strategic Plan, which guides how we serve our community now and shape our work's future. Together, we are actively addressing these issues today and continually exploring new strategies to meet the evolving needs of our neighbors.

Calls to Action Driving Our Strategic Focus:
- Expanding outreach through schools, mobile markets, and direct community engagement so that more neighbors know where to turn for help
- Offering flexible hours and delivery options, including mobile food distributions, weekend pantry access, and home delivery for neighbors with mobility or transportation challenges
- Providing diverse, culturally relevant food that respects and reflects the traditions, preferences, and dietary needs of our multicultural community
- Prioritizing dignity and equity at every level, through ongoing staff and volunteer training, trauma-informed service approaches, and the intentional design of inclusive, welcoming programs

These efforts move us closer to our vision of Full Plates. Full Lives. by making food assistance more welcoming, equitable, and accessible for all.

As Congress debates potential cuts to SNAP and other federal safety net programs, local charitable food systems like ours must be ready to fill even greater gaps. This research confirms what many of us on the frontlines already know—and it underscores the urgency of removing barriers, improving access, and treating every neighbor with respect.

Read the full Urban Institute brief: Why Many Struggle to Access Charitable Food While Demand Remains High

*This analysis is based on data from the Urban Institute’s December 2024 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey, a nationally representative survey designed to track changes in individual and family well-being as policymakers consider changes to the federal safety net.

Disclosure:
This post was edited with the assistance of an AI language model and reviewed by Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank staff for accuracy and clarity. Its content is based on the Urban Institute’s published research and reflects our organization's values and priorities.