New Mexico ranks next to last when it comes to food insecurity. | Pixabay
New Mexico ranks next to last when it comes to food insecurity. | Pixabay
Recent studies indicate the State of New Mexico has fallen behind other states when it comes to food insecurity and mental health as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
New Mexico ranks next to last when it comes to food insecurity as 20% of households with children indicate there is sometimes or often not enough to eat, the Las Cruces Bulletin reported.
New Mexico Voices of Children offered the information in a press release that was found in a study "Kids, Families and COVID-19: Pandemic Pain Points and a Roadmap for Recovery." New Mexico’s 20% lags behind the national average of 14% with only Mississippi suffering greater issues with food insecurity.
The pandemic has also taken a toll on mental health with New Mexico once again ranking among the worst in the nation. The state reported 27% of adults living in households with children who reported feeling either down, depressed or hopeless. Pennsylvania and Mississippi also reported 27% of adults feeling depressed which is above the national average of 21%.
The issues New Mexico is experiencing exemplifies the issues experienced at the county level, particularly in Doña Ana County. The southern part of the county has been particularly hard hit by food insecurity, the Las Cruces Bulletin reported. Sunland Park, Anapra, Santa Teresa, La Union and Chaparral represent the hardest-hit communities.
“Food insecurity has been an issue in our county for some time now. Right now, the pandemic has put it in the spotlight,” Lorenzo Alba, executive director of Casa de Peregrinos emergency food program said, the Las Cruces Bulletin reported. Alba added there are expectations it will get worse in coming months and it will take years to recover as the county seeks monetary contributions.
From 2018 to 2020 food insecurity in Doña Ana County increased from 15.7% to 21.3%. Even more alarming was the increase in childhood food insecurity from 25.8% to 35.8%.
The Las Cruces Bulletin also reported 18% of adults with children feel they will struggle with their next rent or mortgage payment which is the national average. Additionally, 11% of adults do not have health insurance which is better than the national average at 12%.
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