Alice Carter, an unemployed grandmother from Cheyenne, Wyoming, understands the harsh reality of hunger firsthand. Raising her two grandchildren alone, Carter experienced severe food insecurity, at times relying solely on oranges for their meals over several days.

Her situation is a stark representation of the broader issue of food insecurity in the United States. Last month, over 25 million Americans reported experiencing food insecurity, meaning they lacked sufficient food sometimes or often.

Carter’s story highlights the growing issue of “grandfamilies” in the U.S., where over 2.5 million children are raised in households with grandparents or other relatives as primary caregivers. These families often require additional support, yet many face the challenge of food insecurity. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing the loss of parents and primary caregivers for over 250,000 children, the number of grandfamilies is expected to rise, bringing with it an increased risk of hunger.

Generations United recently released its annual State of Grandfamilies report, focusing on the intersection of hunger and grandfamilies. The findings are concerning: in 2019-2020, one-quarter of grandparent-headed households experienced food insecurity, more than double the national rate. For older grandparent-headed households, the rates are even higher.

Grandfamilies are generally the best option for children who cannot be raised by their parents, offering better mental and behavioral health outcomes, stability, and a sense of belonging. However, many grandfamilies struggle with food insecurity due to unforeseen caregiving responsibilities and associated costs. This issue is exacerbated in the South, where food insecurity rates are highest, and in rural areas where resources are limited. Additionally, grandfamilies, particularly those of color, face systemic challenges contributing to food insecurity.

The Biden administration’s national strategy to eliminate hunger within a decade addresses these issues. Recommendations such as expanding free school meals and reinstating the Child Tax Credit are steps forward. The report also includes specific recommendations for grandfamilies, like improving SNAP enrollment and increasing funding for nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act.

Immediate changes are necessary to address the unique challenges of grandfamilies. Expanding kinship navigator programs can connect these families to vital nutrition supports like WIC. Moreover, creating child-only SNAP benefits and ensuring automatic access to free school meals are critical steps. Outreach programs need to adhere to diversity, equity, and inclusion standards to effectively reach those in need.

As America prepares for Thanksgiving, it’s essential to remember the children and families for whom food scarcity is a daily reality. Grandparents and relatives who step in as caregivers embody the best of humanity, and they deserve our utmost support, starting with ensuring adequate food for every grandfamily.