Food Security as a Driver of Economic Mobility: Strategies for Local Governments

While a wide range of factors contributes to an individual’s economic mobility or movement up and down the economic ladder, the ties between food insecurity and economic inequality are demonstrated. Individuals who experience a lack of food security face mental and physical health consequences that can directly impact their employment status, use of the health care system, and other factors that impact upward mobility. Cities and counties are working to improve the food security of residents by integrating local efforts across jurisdictions and working with key community partners to enhance food production, transportation, and distribution. The National Association of Counties and National League of Cities held a webinar on June 16, 2022 which featured an expert overview of the state of food insecurity in the United States as well as example solutions from Franklin County (Columbus), Ohio and Dane County (Madison), Wisconsin.