How Food Insecurity Can Hurt Both Body and Mind 

It’s World Hunger Day, and we’re shining a light on food insecurity and its impact on both body and soul. Everyone’s aware that people do people are struggling with hunger worldwide, but there’s a disconnect when it comes to discussing it, right here, in the UK. It makes us uncomfortable as we’re aware it exists, but don’t realise the true extent of it.  It’s a tough pill to swallow; call it a bubble or ignorance, but we’re not aware of how hunger does impact those around us or how close it is.

“In the UK, approximately 8.4 million people, including 4.7 million adults and 2.7 million children, were affected by food insecurity”. (Food Foundation’s 2021 report)

As we take pictures of our decadent spreads, and share delicious cuisines, we’re surrounded by everything we could ever eat. In a world where there seems to be plenty of food, it’s a sad reality that many still don’t have enough to eat. That is called food insecurity.

It’s the little things we take for granted. We crave a cup of tea, so we boil the kettle knowing there’s enough milk in the fridge. You call your children down to dinner, knowing there’s enough to go around. But these are real fears which people live with daily. It lives in households next to your own, to families that feel familiar.

We’re going to explore how it affects different groups, especially the vulnerable such as the elderly and young, and how it impacts you beyond the physical body.

Elderly – The Hidden Hungry  

For the elderly, whilst they should be enjoying their twilight years, not having enough food can be a scary thought. They may have to pick between buying enough food or other necessities such as medicine which can be a tough choice.

Being hungry makes them anxious and worried when they should be happy and enjoying their retirement. The financial burden that hangs over them can deteriorate their mental health.

Not having access to enough food for the elderly has a heavy toll on the aging body. Without sufficient nutrients, their muscles may weaken and their bones become brittle. This can take longer for their wounds and body to heal. They all also leave the elderly frail and vulnerable to falls and fractures, further exacerbating their physical self.

For elderly individuals living with conditions like diabetes or hypertension, maintaining a healthy diet is essential to manage their condition. However, the financial strain of food insecurity forces them to make compromises. They may choose the cheaper and less healthy option, further complicating their health.

Youth – Empty plates 

Children and young people are also a vulnerable group that suffer when there isn’t enough food. It can impact young people in different ways, including stunted growth, delayed puberty, and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. It can weaken their immune system, making them ill more often which can result in missed school, affecting their education. It’s a vicious circle which is hard to get out of it.

 But it’s not just their bodies that suffer. Being hungry can make them feel embarrassed and nervous around other children, impacting their mental health. Always worrying about where the next meal will come from can make us anxious. This doesn’t just affect one person—it affects whole families and communities.

Food insecurity forces a reliance on cheaper, less nutritious food options, which are high in calories and low in nutrients. This can contribute to the development of obesity and related health conditions.

Adding to their plates 

Fixing food insecurity isn’t just about giving out food. It’s about treating everyone with respect and making sure nobody goes hungry. It’s about creating a world where everyone can eat well, no matter how much money they have.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry. “ (Bukhari)

On this day, let’s remember the people who suffer because of food insecurity. Families right here in the UK who are struggling. Our families are among them. With frozen assets, limited support, and fathers taken from families overnight, food insecurity is a real issue in their households. Many were left to fend for themselves, struggling to make healthy meals for their children.

“ I don’t know when I’ve been shopping last time. I would show you my kitchen cupboard now but I’m embarrassed to show you that. I have to remind myself, ‘stop eating now because you don’t have anything for tomorrow. ‘ Grace

We can come together to fight hunger. You can do this today by providing our families with food vouchers that get them through the month and equip a mother with what she needs to feed her children. 

You can fulfil your Qurbani with HHUGS, and feed families right here in the UK. Doing your Qurbani with HHUGS means choosing the best, distributed to those closest. Do your Qurbani with HHUGS here.

May your acts of kindness be a source of blessings and fulfillment in this life and the Hereafter.