Food insecurity remains a significant challenge 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. The issue is particularly pronounced among children, with USDA data indicating that nearly 14 million children lived in households lacking food security last year. Food insecurity, as defined by the USDA, refers to the inability to consistently access sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, posing serious implications for the health and well-being of affected families.
To address this growing concern, BAPS Charities held its annual food drive on February 16, 2025, in Knoxville, TN, benefiting Second Harvest Foodbank of East Tennessee. Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds collected approximately 212 lbs of canned and dried food items, equivalent to 177 meals, along with $619 in online donations. This initiative was part of a larger effort by BAPS Charities, which conducted food drives across North America to assist local families and individuals during the holiday season.
