FOOD INSECURITY AMONG LGBTQ+ YOUTH

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Who Are the LGBTQ+ Youth Most Affected?

No Kid Hungry partnered with The Williams Institute, a leader in LGBTQ research, to conduct a landscape analysis of food insecurity among LGBTQ youth. What they found was that some youth suffered more than others when it came to food insecurity.

SOLUTIONS

Help provide a strong network of support for LGBTQ+ Youth through advocacy, mentorship, creating Youth Centers, or working with organizations such as Visible & Resilient and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Seek out and share food resources such as Access to Excess, The Foodbank, Miami Valley Meals, and local food pantries.
Explore SNAP as an option. Many young adults qualify.
Provide safer learning environments where LGBTQ+ students aren’t afraid to eat in school cafeterias for fear of being bullied.

OTHER FACTORS CAUSING FOOD INSECURITY FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH

School lunches can be a reliable source of nutritious food for youth, but LGBTQ+ students have barriers to obtaining that food and if they aren’t in school, they don’t even have that option.

LGBTQ+ Youth Face Bullying in Schools with 1 in 3 students report being bullied in the past year.
32% of LGBTQ+ youth missed a day of school in the last month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
22% of LGBTQ+ youth avoid the school cafeteria because they don’t feel safe there.

FOOD INSECURITY AMONG LGBTQ+ YOUTH

Food insecurity among LGBTQ+ youth is a critical issue that arises due to several factors, including

FAMILY REJECTION

Many LGBTQ youth experience rejection or hostility from their families after coming out, leading to strained relationships or even homelessness. Without family support, they may struggle to access stable housing and sufficient food.

HOMELESSNESS

LGBTQ youth are overrepresented among homeless youth populations because oftentimes family rejection leads to homelessness. That exacerbates food insecurity as these individuals often lack a stable living situation and may not have regular access to nutritious meals.

DISCRIMINATION

LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender and non-binary youth, often face discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare, which can limit their economic opportunities and exacerbate food insecurity.