Starving to Death - Food Accessibility and Eating and Feeding Differences.

 

Not everyone can eat the food at the food pantry.

Families that have children and loved ones with specialized diets and/or eating and feeding differences cannot simply eat what is given to them in a bag.

In fact, a child or adult that lives with severe restrictive eating, whom doesn’t have access to predictable and preferred food will literally starve to death versus eating food that is not a “safe food”. Let that sink in.

This may be baffling to you if you’re not familiar with ARFID and eating and feeding disorders. 

The reality is most pantries are not equipped to serve these families and those with specialized diets or food allergies.

And worse, when programs regulate and control food choices and dietary decisions for these families,

not only does it remove autonomy, it adds significant undue stress as people that live with eating and

feeding complexities oftentimes can only tolerate foods that are considered nutritionally void such as;

the "beige diet" and highly processed foods. This means families need to supplement nutrition oftentimes in the form of shakes.

Moving beyond accessibility at pantries, food subsidies for special needs and caregiving families isn’t a benefit - it is an absolute necessity.

Many complex families need a caregiver at home, available to their loved one for: support, in-home care,

managing barriers and even at times facilitating academic instruction. Therefore, are unable to maintain employment. 

For our families living this reality, best case scenario; there is one sufficient income coming in. If there are 2 adults in a household. For families that are single head households and said "single head" cannot work because

they need to be available to their loved one 24/7 … well connect the dots. It’s uncomfortable and inequitable.

Can you fathom that everyday stress? For many families with complex needs and carers, they do fathom it … because they live it.

So, as we’re thinking about donations and stocking local pantries to help our fellow community members

that are experiencing food insecurity, consider supporting families with kiddos and loved ones that have additional needs.

Consider donating Pediasure and vegan nutritional shakes to pantries. Or better yet, consider your circle.

I would be surprised if you don't know someone that lives with a complex, limited diet. We know the statistics on Autism.

Given those statistics, studies indicate that 70- 90% of Autistics have a co-occurrence of restrictive eating.

I would wager it’s closer if not at the 90% mark.

Also, I cannot end without mentioning this. Some folks that you least expect it may need the help with food. Be kind. And in these times, for the love of God, don’t judge. 

Frankly Christina 💋