When I was ten, just two years after my father left, my mother was struggling to support us by working day shifts at a power plant and cleaning houses at night. During a Sunday school lesson on the Ten Commandments, we discussed “Thou shalt not steal.” As kids debated various scenarios where stealing could be justified, many centered on taking food for a starving family. Most of my classmates shrugged off the possibility, confident they’d never face such a dilemma.
I remained silent, acutely aware of how close I was to that moral line. With my father not providing child support, it wasn’t unusual to find our fridge and cupboards bare. I couldn’t help but wonder if we might one day need to steal food ourselves.
Reflecting on that pivotal time in my life, it’s hard not to think about the current rise in food insecurity across the U.S. A recent report from The Washington Post revealed that “an estimated 54 million Americans will struggle with hunger this year, a staggering 45 percent increase from 2019.” As federal assistance programs dwindle, food banks are overwhelmed, experiencing long lines and record demand.
Jeff Zisner, CEO of Aegis, noted a rise in low-impact crimes, stating, “It’s not about people stealing TVs; it’s individuals taking food and items for their children.” Stealing food to provide for one’s family is one of the most heartbreaking scenarios imaginable. While we see some hope with vaccine distribution, experts warn of a challenging winter ahead. Rising COVID cases may lead to lockdowns, and job stability will remain uncertain.
According to Feeding America, the U.S. is facing an unprecedented level of child hunger, with around 15.6% of all households experiencing food shortages. Federally-funded programs are running out of money, and food banks are struggling to keep up with demand. Emily Slazer from New Orleans’ Second Harvest Food Bank shared a heart-wrenching image of clients sleeping in their cars, arriving hours early for assistance.
One particularly poignant story from the report involves a woman named Sarah in Maryland. Balancing college, work, and childcare, she had to quit her job when her daycare closed, leaving her ineligible for unemployment benefits. Desperate, she began sneaking food into her child’s stroller at Walmart, always paying for a small item like a candy bar. “If I got caught, I’d explain that I wasn’t stealing a TV. We were just hungry,” she said.
Interestingly, many store managers are opting not to report minor thefts, citing a focus on COVID-related safety measures instead. Ultimately, the driving force behind these actions is desperation. Who can blame parents for going to such lengths to feed their children?
This situation could be alleviated. The COVID relief package has long expired, leaving families in dire straits as unemployment remains historically high. It’s a tragic reality that a single mother feels compelled to steal food for her child.
Congress must prioritize passing a stimulus bill to support struggling families and prevent situations like Sarah’s from occurring. Access to food—a fundamental human right—should not lead to criminality. As a nation, we can and should do better. Helping our fellow Americans in need is the least we can do during these trying times.
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Summary:
As food insecurity in the U.S. escalates, many families are feeling the desperate need to steal food to feed their children. With federal assistance dwindling and food banks overwhelmed, stories of individuals resorting to theft highlight the heartbreaking reality of hunger. The need for congressional action is urgent to prevent families from facing such dire circumstances.