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 food-insecure households 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 November 2, 2024, in Sacramento, CA, benefiting Rancho Cordova Community Food Locker. Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds collected approximately over 200 canned and dried food items. This initiative was part of a larger effort by BAPS Charities, in partnership with Sewa Diwali, which conducted food drives across North America to assist local families and individuals during the holiday season.
