An Overburdened Charitable Food System: Making the Case for Increased Government Support During the COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 public health crisis has led to a historic increase in food insecurity throughout the United States. Long lines of people—some on foot, some in cars—waiting to receive food assistance have made headlines since March 2020. Photographs of these lines, reminiscent of photographs of the bread lines of the Great Depression, have highlighted the need for stronger coordination between government and the charitable food system to adequately address food insecurity.