Lorain County Hungry for Help

posted 11/26/19 -- LCCAA’s latest Community Needs Assessment shows a steep rise in food insecurity in our community.

In 2019, 12 percent of survey respondents said not having enough food was a problem for their household. That is up from 7 percent in 2017. Fourteen percent of respondents said they were likely to seek assistance at a food pantry during the next 12 months.

Despite the economic recovery, Lorain County residents are still struggling to make ends meet. A full 28 percent of respondents cited having enough money to pay bills as a problem. While that is down from 35 percent in 2017, it is still high and the biggest issue for residents.

Jobs have stabilized with half the people reporting stability as an issue in 2019 versus 2017. However, jobs pay less. Lorain County continues to see many jobs and businesses relocating to other areas. The jobs that do exist are lower paying with average pay approximately $10 an hour.

Other significant issues identified by the Community Needs Assessment include affordable rent, weatherization and a lack of dental insurance. LCCAA’s programs focus on the most needed areas while the agency also partners with many others who provide services.

For more information on the Community Needs Assessment, conducted every three years, click here.