Food insecurity continues to be an issue in our communities. According to the USDA, food insecurity is “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” Indicators of food insecurity include being worried that food will run out before one has money to buy more, inability to afford to eat balanced meals, and cutting the size or skipping meals because there is not enough money for food. As our readers know, Broadway Stages is committed to supporting organizations that work to battle food insecurity. And during Pride Month, we want to highlight the issue’s effect on the LGBTQ+ community.

Did you know that the LGBTQ+ community has experienced high rates of food insecurity? Several studies have identified this issue. For example, according to a UCLA School of Law Williams Institute study that used U.S. Census Bureau survey data, “food insufficiency* was more common among LGBT than non-LGBT people (12.7% vs. 7.8%) in the period between July 21 to October 11, 2021.” *Food insufficiency is defined as sometimes or often not having enough to eat in the last 7 days. Read more about this study here, and see links to other studies at the end of this post.

Fortunately, food insecurity in the LGBTQ+ community is being targeted by individuals and organizations in the local area. We have listed a few below; consider volunteering your time or making a financial donation to these and other worthy organizations:

Food Bank for New York City – Since 1983, this organization has worked to end food poverty in NYC’s five boroughs. Their mission is to end hunger by organizing food, information, and support for community survival and dignity. They work with community partners such as The Ali Forney Center, BOOM! Health, SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, and others to reach the NYC LGBTQ+ community. Read this Gay City News guest feature by Leslie Gordon, Food Bank for New York City president & chief executive officer, to learn more about how the organization is addressing the issue of food insecurity in the LGBTQ+ community.

Queer Food Foundation – As a collective of queer individuals who work at all intersections of the food system — from food justice, culinary to community organizing, media, hospitality, and more, this organization has a mission to be a resource and platform for queer folks in food; and secondarily promote, protect, and fund queer food spaces. See their QFF Directory, a community resource to amplify, connect, and support queer folks in all food spaces.

More information: See this NYC Human Resources Administration Department of Social Services page that highlights SNAP benefits as a resource for food-insecure LGBTQI individuals. Read about past studies of food insecurity at Williams Institute, the USDA, and the U.S. Census Bureau.