GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 28

grandfamilies
in their refrigerator for two weeks, but it was better than
nothing. Someone gave us a bag of oranges and we ate
nothing but oranges for four days.
Alice's story is just one example of the reality many
grandparents across the country face as they unexpectedly
find themselves caring for grandchildren.
According to a recent report from Generations United
one in four grandparent-headed households experiences
food insecurity. That is twice the national rate.
There are more than 2.5 million children in the U.S. growing
up in " grandfamilies " , meaning they are being raised by
relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc.) or close
family friends without their parents in the home. Research
shows grandfamilies are the best option for children who
can't be raised by their parents: compared to children in foster
care with nonrelatives, children raised by relatives have better
mental and behavioral health outcomes, greater stability, and
a stronger sense of belonging. Yet these families often face a
range of challenges including high rates of hunger and food
insecurity.
"
More than 30% of grandchildren
being raised by their grandparents
without parents in the home are living
under the poverty level, compared to
16% of all children nationwide.
Grandfamilies are at increased risk of food insecurity
due to factors such as poverty, racial discrimination,
disability, marital status, employment status, geography,
and accessibility. More than half of grandparentheaded
households live in the South - the states that
28 GRAND Winter/Spring 2023
"
have food insecurity rates above the national average.
A large number of grandparent-headed households
live in rural areas and are likely to experience
food insecurity at a higher rate, in part because food
sources are often further away from home and transportation
options are sparse. Grandfamilies are disproportionately
African American, American Indian,
Alaska Native, and, in some areas, Latino. Years of
systematic racism and discrimination have led to disproportionate
rates of food insecurity, as well as difficulties
accessing support systems and inequitable
support for grandfamily caregivers and the children
they raise. More than 30% of grandchildren being
raised by their grandparents without parents in the
home are living under the poverty level, compared to
16% of all children nationwide.
Policy changes are necessary to ensure access to
adequate nutritious food for grandparents, other relatives,
and close family friends who step forward to
care for a child whose parents cannot care for them.
Grandfamily caregivers shouldn't be forced to choose
between paying the rent, affording needed medications,
or feeding themselves and the children in their care. This
includes things like improving eligibility and access to
federal nutrition programs including the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Woman Infants
and Children (WIC), and free and reduced-price school
meals. It also means supporting local programs designed
specifically to help these families.
Here are some ways you can help:
● Reach out to your members of Congress and
encourage them to ensure grandparents raising
Jaia Lent, deputy
executive director for
Generations United
"
" More than half of grandparentheaded
household live in the South
- the states that have food insecurity
rates above the national average. "
"
grandchildren have access to these programs. Find
out who your members of Congress are and how to
contact them at Congress.gov.
● Donate to your local food bank
● Reach out to learn if there is a grandparent-raising
grandchildren support group that takes donations
or engages volunteers. Learn about programs in
your areas at www.grandfactsheets.org.
As for Alice. Her family found some help at the local
food bank. She eventually found a new job, housing,
and help through a grandfamilies support program
which profoundly changed their lives for the
better. Alice now works to help other grandfamilies in
Wyoming, making their paths easier than hers.
This article uses excerpts from Generations United's
2022 State of Grandfamilies reports. Read the full
report here.
https://www.facebook.com/GRANDmagazine http://www.Congress.gov http://www.grandfactsheets.org http://www.gu.org

GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023

Contents
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - Cover1
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 2
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 3
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - Contents
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 5
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 6
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 7
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 8
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 9
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 10
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 11
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GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 28
GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 29
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GRAND Magazine - Winter 2023 - 34
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