Google Launches Resources for Food Insecurity - Google News

Google Launches Resources to Combat Food Insecurity in the U.S.

A new collection of resources is being introduced by Google today to assist individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the United States. This initiative centers around the launch of a dedicated website, “Find Food Support,” designed to connect people with vital assistance programs.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

According to Google’s announcement, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated the existing food crisis within the U.S. Approximately 45 million Americans – roughly one in seven – faced food insecurity at some point in 2020. This represents a 30% increase compared to the figures recorded in 2019.

Notably, 15 million of those affected by food insecurity were children. Even as the pandemic’s immediate impacts lessen with the resumption of business operations and in-person activities, the need for support remains critical, particularly during summer months when school lunch programs are unavailable.

The “Find Food Support” Website

The newly available website, accessible at g.co/findfoodsupport, provides a comprehensive range of food support resources. It also features informative YouTube videos addressing the issue of food insecurity in the U.S., and a powerful Google Maps locator tool.

This locator tool is designed to guide individuals to nearby food banks, food pantries, and school meal program pickup locations. Google collaborated with organizations like No Kid Hungry, FoodFinder, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to compile a database of over 90,000 locations offering free food support across all 50 states.

Users of the tool can easily input their location to discover nearby resources, with each listing including the address, phone number, and operating hours.

Improved Search Accuracy

While similar information can be found through a general Google Maps search, locating relevant resources can be challenging without specific keywords. Searches for terms like “food support” often yield a mix of charities, food banks, and businesses with similar names.

The dedicated online tool offers more focused and precise search results, eliminating irrelevant entries. This ensures users quickly find the food assistance they need.

Additional Resources and Support

Beyond the locator tool, the website provides information on SNAP benefits, support tailored to specific demographics like seniors and children, state-specific benefit guidelines, and a directory of food support hotlines.

For those seeking to contribute, the site also offers guidance on donating money, time, or food to organizations assisting those in need.

YouTube Videos and Destigmatizing Food Insecurity

The website features a selection of YouTube videos created by organizations working to combat food insecurity within their communities. These videos aim to reduce the stigma associated with seeking food assistance by showcasing the diverse individuals who utilize these services.

Statistics highlighted include the fact that 1 in 9 active-duty military families, 1 in 6 children, 1 in 3 college students, and over 5 million seniors experience food insecurity.

The “Food for Good” Initiative

This new site is the product of Google’s “Food for Good” team, led by Emily Ma. The initiative originated as Project Delta, a project within Alphabet’s X (formerly Google[X]) focused on optimizing the food system.

Initially, Project Delta aimed to minimize food waste by directing surplus food to those who require it. In December 2020, the project transitioned to Google to expand its impact. The core team became “Food for Good,” while a separate team remained at X to address broader food traceability issues.

Google intends to continually update the food locator tool with additional food support locations, building upon the current database of 90,000 resources.