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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Community / Food Insecurity: Resources for Struggling Women & Families in North Florida

Food Insecurity: Resources for Struggling Women & Families in North Florida

July 9, 2021 By Liliana Zapien

health effects of food insecurity

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant rise in the number of people (particularly women) who are food insecure. According to an analysis released in March 2021 by Feeding America, an estimated 42 million people will likely be considered food insecure in 2021. In 2019, that number was just over 35 million.

Food insecurity doesn’t just affect people and families in poverty. In fact, during the pandemic, it’s proven to affect just about anyone. Just because you may not be without food all the time, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t experience some level of food insecurity.

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is defined as inconsistent eating patterns and food intake due to a lack of access (generally from a lack of money or other resources like food stamps). There are several different degrees of food insecurity.

Effects of food insecurity on women’s health

Women are at particularly high risk for experiencing the effects of food insecurity. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, women who are mothers generally put their children first and take care of their own health and wellbeing last.

Second, not giving a woman adequate nutrition (along with the added stress of being food insecure) can lead to depression and other mental health issues.

Long-term stress can cause a long list of health problems, so it’s important to watch for these symptoms:

  • Constant and persistent headaches
  • Frequent stomach aches
  • Low energy
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Forgetfulness
  • Sleep problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of appetite or an impulse to overeat

If you feel like you’re checking off a lot of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. It’s important to maintain your physical health, as well as your emotional and mental health.

Resources to help women who are struggling with food insecurity

At All About Women, we are here to help. Not only do we believe in regular well-woman check-ups for overall health, we also believe it’s important to eat good, nutritious food to aid in keeping you healthy.

If you and your family are struggling with food insecurity, here is a list of local resources to get you back to regular and adequate nutrition:

  • You may qualify for a program through the USDA called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Information about how to apply and whether or not you may be eligible can be found on their website.
  • Local food banks and soup kitchens can also be great places to seek out help. Here are some Gainesville organizations that provide free food to those who need it:
  1. Bread of the Mighty Address: 325 NW 10th Ave
    Gainesville, FL 32601
    Phone: (352) 336-6570
    Website: breadofthemighty.org
    Hours: M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  2. Catholic Charities Gainesville Food PantryAddress: 1701 NE 9th Street
    Gainesville, FL 32609
    Phone: (352) 372-0294
    Website: https://catholiccharitiesgainesville.org/
    Hours: M-Th, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  3. Compassion Outreach Ministries Food PantryAddress: 320 SE 43rd Street
    Gainesville, FL 32641
    Phone: (888) 780-7729
    Website: https://www.compassionateoutreach.org/
  4. Gainesville Community MinistryAddress: 238 SW 4th Ave
    Gainesville, FL 32601
    Phone: (352) 372-8162
    Website: http://gcmhelp.org/home0.aspx
    Hours: M-Th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  1. Salvation Army GainesvilleAddress: 639 E. University Avenue
    Gainesville, FL 32602
    Phone: (352) 376-1743
    Website: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/gainesville/
    Hours: M-Th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  2. Francis HouseAddress: 413 S Main Street
    Gainesville, FL 32601
    Phone: (352) 378-9079
    Website: https://stfrancishousegnv.com/
    Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  3. Showers of Blessing Harvest CenterAddress: 2615 SE 15th Street
    Gainesville, FL 32641
    Phone: (352) 375-3589
    Website: https://www.showersofblessing.org/
    Hours: Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Do you have concerns about your health? Make an appointment to talk to one of our experienced team members at All About Women at one of our local offices today.

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Filed Under: Community Tagged With: covid-19, nutrition

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All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

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