Due to the tightening of personal budgets, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the restrictions put in place during the coronavirus pandemic, food insecurity rose significantly in the United States. But thanks to stimulus checks and other programs, hunger rates dropped almost immediately. On this episode of the Happy Mouth podcast, chef Nyesha Arrington and restaurateur Philip Camino discuss the hidden issues of food insecurity and how the government’s stimulus checks, the increase of SNAP benefits, and federal waivers for free school lunches have helped to turn the tide during a worldwide crisis. Listen to Philip and Nyesha discuss food insecurity: What is food insecurity? 38 million Americans lived on food stamps prior to the coronavirus pandemic The price of groceries grew 2.6% in April 2020 -- the biggest month-to-month increase since 1974 1-in-9 people experience food insecurity while that rate goes up to 1-in-5 for Black individuals During the pandemic, over 42 million people have experienced food insecurity 80% of households spent their first stimulus check on food and continue to do so Adults that reported not having enough to eat dropped by 18% after March’s stimulus check Links: Happy Mouth Podcast Instagram Happy Mouth’s April 26 episode on food deserts Eater - Hunger rates drop as people spend stimulus money on groceries CNBC - The U.S. is facing unprecedented levels of child hunger Healthy People - Food insecurity Feeding America - Understand food insecurity Feeding America We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other shows: Full Comp  The Happy Mouth Morning Show Restaurant Marketing School The Playbook