Food insecurity and lack of access to basic necessities like clothing remain significant challenges for millions of households in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 13.5% of American households—approximately 18 million—experienced food insecurity in 2023, reflecting an increase from 12.8% in 2022. This issue is particularly pronounced among children, with USDA data indicating that nearly 14 million children lived in food-insecure households last year. Food insecurity, as defined by the USDA, refers to the inability to consistently access sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, while limited access to essential clothing adds to the hardships faced by vulnerable families, further impacting their well-being and quality of life.
To address these growing concerns, BAPS Charities held its annual food and clothing drive on November 19, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN, benefiting Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP). Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds collected over 152 lbs of canned and dried food items and 128 lbs of clothing. This initiative was part of a larger effort by BAPS Charities, which conducted drives across North America to assist local families and individuals during the holiday season.
