My Experience with Food Insecurity and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Food insecurity is defined by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a “lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” It is very well-researched and documented that disability and food insecurity are closely related.1,2
The issues with food insecurity and the disabled population have always been there, but unfortunately, these issues continue to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ever-rising food prices. Like many individuals living with chronic illness, I have lived in varying states of food insecurity since my diagnosis. As my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and disability have both progressed, so has my level of food insecurity. There has been a real-life correlation for me.
4 factors related to food insecurity
1. Income
I started out in a career in the medical profession, but I was diagnosed with RA shortly after I graduated college. I continued to work in the industry for 18 years until one day, my level of disability was not compatible with my career demands. My income significantly changed in an instant.
Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario when talking about chronic illnesses and disabilities. Many of us are forced, due to disability, to absorb a significant decrease in pay. It is not uncommon to live on a very fixed income.
2. Medical costs
The costs of medical premiums, co-pays, and out-of-pocket medical expenses are high and continue to increase. Oftentimes, if you find a holistic medical treatment that helps you immensely, it is not covered by health insurance.
3. Federal food program limitations
These programs have strict income limits. They also have many factors that can make it difficult for individuals with a disability to qualify for food assistance benefits, thus, making it difficult to put food on the table.
4. The price of healthy eating and dietary restrictions
I advocate for healthy and clean eating for every person. I have found that for me, personally, a diet of processed foods and sugars exacerbates the physical symptoms I experience with RA. Eating the wrong foods actually makes me feel horrible and contributes to increased joint inflammation and pain.
However, it is a well-known fact that healthy food options can cost significantly more. Recent inflation in our economy is making healthy food choices even harder to purchase.
There are free resources available
Federal food programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was formerly known as food stamps or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It is an income-based program that individuals can apply for.
Food banks and pantries
My suggestion is to first reach out to the large food bank organizations in your area. They often work in conjunction with helping to supply the smaller local food pantries.
When I began to experience severe food insecurity, I reached out to a large food bank organization in my area. My concern was that not every pantry was equipped to deal with my specific nutrition needs. After a lot of phone calls, I was eventually referred to a local pantry that could help accommodate my dietary needs.
Buy Nothing Project
This is a platform where you can connect with individuals in your neighborhood communities who are part of the buy nothing project. The economy is based solely on giving your neighbors something that you have an abundance of and no longer need. I have been able to secure some food items on this platform including a large unexpired jar of protein powder.
Community gardens
This resource may not be applicable to everyone reading. However, it never hurts to contact a local community garden in your area to explain your situation and needs.
I have belonged to a community garden since the spring of 2019. My fellow gardeners help me with the aspects of gardening that are difficult for me on any given day. It has become such a social support for me and the community garden is a great source of fresh vegetables in the spring and summer months.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
I would not be eating properly without the help of the Morlock Foundation, Inc. They help to provide nutritious and healthy foods through their program at the Evangel Food Pantry. This group of volunteers at the pantry has become like family to me. I could never say enough through words on a page to properly express the gratitude that I feel.
To any of you out there reading this and facing food insecurities, I know firsthand that it is not an easy or pleasant part of the journey you are on. Please know you are not alone and there are resources out there.
Community Poll
What flare symptom do you wish you could avoid the most?
Join the conversation