A study reveals that a considerable number of American veterans experience food insecurity as they prepare for Thanksgiving.
Study reveals that vets experiencing food insecurity are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
Feeding America reports that one in nine working-age veterans experiences food insecurity this Thanksgiving.
According to the Veterans Aging Cohort Study conducted by Yale School of Medicine, 24% of the thousands of veterans surveyed reported experiencing food insecurity.
Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a condition where households have limited or uncertain access to enough food due to economic and social factors.
"According to retired Air Force Lt. Col. and AWP CEO Jim Lorraine, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, veterans turn to us because they're facing financial difficulties such as being overcharged on credit cards, losing their cars through repossession, facing foreclosure on their homes, or being evicted. The root cause of these issues, he explained, is the economy."
Those on fixed income, particularly severely disabled veterans, are the most impacted by the veterans' program, according to Lorraine.
He is a retired lieutenant colonel and the former deputy command surgeon for the United States Special Operations Command, having served 22 years in the military. He now cares for his wife, who is also a veteran. This holiday season, he is encouraging others to reflect on how they can contribute to giving back to those in need.
He stated that veterans volunteer at a 90% higher rate than non-veterans, and urged those familiar with AWP to inform veterans about the nonprofit's services to assist them during any potential crisis.
He also suggested how people can help the cause.
"Whether it's to donate a turkey or canned goods or to attend events at the local American Legion or VWF, Lorraine encouraged us to 'live with our heart'."
Although the Air Force veteran acknowledges that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made progress in assisting veterans, they stated that only approximately half of the nation's 17.5 million veterans are enrolled in the VA.
Veterans facing food insecurity are almost four times more likely to experience suicidal ideation than those who are financially stable, according to research by the National Library of Medicine. These veterans may also be affected by transition challenges, limited job prospects, inadequate transition education, and difficulties in applying military skills to civilian roles.
Despite all that, Lorraine still stands by serving in the U.S. military.
""The military is a great way to go forward for young people without higher education opportunities, as it changed my life," he said."
Nearly 61,000 veterans have been helped by AWP in its 10-year anniversary, and you can learn more about the resources it offers by clicking here.
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