Placer and El Dorado counties
Roseville, Calif.- At Feeding the Foothills, we see it all too often-stigma, assumptions, and judgments about who deserves help. People driving by our PantryToGo distribution sites make snap decisions based on what they see. A nice car. A long line. A person who looks like they “shouldn’t” need food assistance. And just like that, a myth is born.
The truth is, hunger doesn’t look the way many people expect. It doesn’t impact only lower income individuals or families; it doesn’t look a certain way or have a specific lifestyle. Hunger exists in all kinds of neighborhoods and communities, and it’s not about joblessness or poor decisions-it’s about survival.
Myths and Misconceptions
Take, for example, the common misconception that if someone has a car, they must not need help. But what people don’t see from the outside is the struggle happening within those vehicles. Many of our clients are working families who are barely getting by-paying rent or a mortgage, childcare, medical bills, and other expenses that leave little left for food. Some of them are living in those very cars, trying to hold on to stability however they can. When they come to us, they are not looking for handouts. They are looking for hope.
Another myth we hear often is that if someone is in line for food, they should just get a job. But most of our clients have jobs-sometimes two or three-and still can’t make ends meet. The cost of living in California has skyrocketed by 24% since 2020 (California Consumer Price Index – PDF), and wages have not kept pace. Families who were once secure are now struggling to afford groceries after essentials. The cars lined up at PantryToGo don’t represent laziness or complacency-they represent people doing their best to care for their families, often picking up food for loved ones who can’t make it themselves.
Placer & El Dorado hidden hunger
It’s easy to assume that hunger isn’t an issue in Placer or El Dorado counties-after all, these are wealthy communities, right? But that wealth doesn’t reach everyone. Hidden hunger exists in even the most affluent areas, and in fact, living in a high-cost community can make food insecurity even worse.
In Placer County, 11.3% of residents (41,990 people) face food insecurity, including 15.9% of children (13,550), while in El Dorado County, 11.7% of residents (21,350) and 17.0% of children (6,550) struggle with hunger. Families who appear to be doing fine on the outside may be drowning under financial pressures, ashamed to admit they need help.
One of the most harmful myths is that hunger results from poor budgeting. In reality, millions of Americans are one crisis away from food insecurity-a job loss, illness, or accident can upend stability overnight.
Seniors, children, people with disabilities, & rural families
Seniors, children, people with disabilities, and rural families face even greater barriers. Many of our clients have already sacrificed medication, healthcare, and social connections just to get by.
These myths are harmful, creating unnecessary stigma and preventing people from getting the support they need. No one should have to justify why they need food. The stigma is real, and it keeps too many people from reaching out when they need it most.
Hunger is not a personal failure-it’s a systemic issue we can address together. Feeding the Foothills serves anyone in need, without shame or barriers, but we can’t do it alone.
Big Day of Giving-May 1, 2025
This Big Day of Giving, we have an opportunity to turn awareness into action. On May 1, 2025, Feeding the Foothills is participating in this 24-hour crowdfunding event to raise critical funds to fight hunger in our community. Every donation helps us provide fresh, nutritious food to families who need it most.
Visit bigdayofgiving.org/organization/Feedingthefoothills to donate. Your support can help bust the myths, fight the stigma, and ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
