Justice on the Table: Pro Bono Legal Work Supports the Fight Against Hunger

Sherese Smikle, PBI Intern

Food insecurity impacts millions of people worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood by many. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Economic Research Service as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food,” whereas hunger is “an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity.” The USDA categorizes food insecurity into two levels: low food security, which refers to a reduced quality and variety of diet without significant disruption in food intake, and very low food security, where eating patterns are disrupted and food intake is reduced. Lack of consistent access to enough food for an active and healthy life is often due to systemic barriers, such as high cost of living and lack of affordable housing, that prevent individuals and families from acquiring the adequate nutrition needed to thrive.

Key Drivers of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a critical issue throughout the United States, including in the nation’s capital. The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Report found that 37 percent of households in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area experienced food insecurity, up from 32 percent in 2023. The report noted that despite reports of a post-pandemic economic recovery, that recovery has been uneven, and many people are experiencing financial hardship. Food insecurity reflects a broader struggle to consistently access safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. It can range from worrying about running out of food to skipping meals entirely due to financial constraints.

The key drivers of food insecurity include economic inequity, limited access to healthy food options, and systemic inequalities. For example, low wages, unemployment, and a lack of financial safety nets force families to prioritize other essential costs like housing and healthcare over food. In areas known as food deserts, residents lack access to affordable, healthy food options, relying instead on convenience stores or fast food.

Food insecurity is often the result of interconnected factors. Factors include rising living costs without corresponding wage increases stretching budgets thin. In the Greater Washington, D.C. area, in 2020, the living wage was nearly three times the federal poverty level, meaning many households live above the poverty line but do not earn a living wage and struggle to meet basic needs. Unexpected medical bills or chronic health issues can also deplete savings, leaving less money for groceries. Climate change further intensifies the issue of food insecurity as natural disasters and extreme weather disrupt food supply chains and raise costs, disproportionately affecting low-income families.

Who is Most Affected?

Food insecurity impacts a wide range of individuals, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Children are among the most affected. Malnutrition during early development can have long-term consequences, including cognitive delays, poor academic performance, and mental health challenges. During the pandemic, disruptions to school meal programs left many children without their primary source of nutritious meals. In other instances, seniors on fixed incomes struggle to afford both medication and food, and malnutrition worsens chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, leading to higher healthcare costs and reduced quality of life. Systemic racism has long placed Black and Latinx households at higher risk of food insecurity. For example, in the Greater Washington region in 2020, 99 of the 100 census tracts with the highest food insecurity rates are predominantly Black communities. In “Examining the Impact of Structural Racism on Food Insecurity: Implications for Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities,” Angela M. Odoms-Young, reported that the rate of food insecurity in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic households was at least twice the rate as for non-Hispanic white households from 2001-2016. Furthermore, Odoms-Young explained that the “relationship between race/ethnicity and food insecurity is complex and is clearly intertwined with other established determinants of food insecurity including poverty, unemployment, incarceration, and disability.”

Taking Action to Address Food Insecurity

Addressing food insecurity requires innovative solutions. The Capital Area Food Bank’s “Food Plus” initiative pairs food assistance with healthcare, education, and job training programs. For example, food distributions at job training sessions ensure participants can focus on skill development without worrying about their next meal. Programs like Curbside Groceries bring affordable, nutritious food directly to underserved neighborhoods. This mobile grocery truck model is particularly impactful in food deserts, where residents lack access to full-service grocery stores. Legislative advocacy is also important. Policymakers can expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to provide greater support for low-income families as well as include food security metrics in county and state budgets to ensure long-term planning, and offer tax incentives for charitable donations to hunger relief organizations.

Additionally, legal professionals can play a significant role in combating food insecurity. They can assist nonprofits with land use, zoning, and employment law, advocate for policies that expand food access, and support food banks in securing funding and navigating regulatory hurdles. For example, DLA Piper’s pro bono program has supported food banks locally and globally since 1988, addressing their legal needs, such as employment law, ensuring these organizations can focus on their core mission of feeding those in need. Pro bono volunteers can also partner with legal aid organizations, such as Legal Aid DC, to help individuals and families obtain safety net benefits such as food stamps. Legal aid organizations such as MAZON have advocacy opportunities for pro bono lawyers to help fight for systemic change on issues such as restoration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for families whose benefits were stolen, and to expand the Child Tax Credit, which helps lift families out of poverty.

Addressing food insecurity requires a collective effort. Individuals can volunteer at local food banks, donate to hunger relief organizations, and advocate for equitable food policies. Legal professionals can offer pro bono services to help nonprofits navigate legal challenges and expand their reach, and to help individual clients access much needed benefits. Policymakers can prioritize food security in budgets and support legislation that addresses systemic barriers to food access.

Food insecurity is a multifaceted issue rooted in systemic inequality. It affects millions of individuals and families, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and communities of color. However, by leveraging innovative programs, legislative action, and pro bono legal support, we can tackle the root causes of this crisis and build a more equitable food system. The fight against food insecurity is not just about providing meals; it’s about addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality. Together, through collective action and sustained commitment, we can create a future where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

* denotes a Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge^® signatory
** denotes a Corporate Pro Bono Challenge^® signatory
† denotes a Law Firm Pro Bono Project^® member