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The Cost of Eating Well: Why Healthy Food Feels Out of Reach for Many Families in America

4/21/2025

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by Alesha Brown, Chief Operating Officer

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Eating healthy shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. But for millions of families across the United States, accessing and affording nutritious food has become an uphill battle. Despite the well-known benefits of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, many households are priced out of healthy options and forced to make difficult decisions just to get through the week.
In this blog, we dive into the reality of the rising cost of eating well, explore how it impacts low-income and marginalized communities, and offer practical tips to help families stretch their budgets while still making healthier choices.


🛒 Healthy Food Is Getting More ExpensiveAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index for food increased by 2.7% between February 2023 and February 2024, following a 9.5% increase the year before. While inflation is affecting all areas of life, the sharp increase in food prices has hit families hardest—especially those already living paycheck to paycheck【1】.
Let’s look at how the cost of common healthy items has changed:
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📉 Why Is Healthy Food So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the higher cost of nutritious foods:
  • Production and transportation costs: Fresh produce and meat require more labor, refrigeration, and logistics.
  • Supply chain disruptions: Ongoing labor shortages, climate change, and global trade issues affect food availability.
  • Retail markup: Grocery stores often price fresh food higher due to spoilage risks.
  • Food deserts: In underserved areas, access to full-service grocery stores is limited, increasing reliance on convenience stores and fast food.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who’s Affected the Most?
🔍 Food Insecurity in the U.S.
  • 34 million people, including 9 million children, lived in food-insecure households in 2022【3】.
  • Rates are significantly higher among Black (20.8%) and Hispanic (16.2%) households compared to White households (10.4%)【3】.
  • Households headed by single mothers experience nearly twice the rate of food insecurity compared to the national average.
📍 Locally: Newport News & Hampton, VA
  • Newport News: 10.7% of households are food insecure
  • Hampton: 9.1% of households experience food insecurity
  • An estimated 48,320 people across the Virginia Peninsula lack consistent access to nutritious meals, according to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank【4】.

These families often rely on food pantries, SNAP benefits, and community organizations like Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. to fill the gaps.

🍎 When Healthy Food Costs More, People Turn to Cheaper Options
When fresh foods are out of reach, families often rely on:
  • Instant noodles, boxed meals, and processed snacks
  • Canned goods high in sodium and sugar
  • Fast food options that are calorie-dense but low in nutrition

While these may offer short-term hunger relief, over time, this diet contributes to:
  • Higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension
  • Poor child development and academic performance
  • Long-term healthcare costs and reduced quality of life

🛠 What Can Be Done?
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Despite these challenges, there are ways to navigate rising food prices while still prioritizing health. At Crusading Outreach Ministry, our Better Nutrition for a Better Life program provides food assistance AND practical tools to help families take control of their wellness—starting with what’s already in their pantry.

💡 Smart Strategies for Eating Well on a Budget:
Here are some budget-friendly tips to help your family eat better without overspending:

🥫 1. Maximize Pantry Staples
  • Mix canned beans, tomatoes, and vegetables with brown rice or pasta.
  • Use canned tuna or chicken for quick protein-packed meals.

🥕 2. Buy Seasonal Produce
  • In spring, shop for carrots, cabbage, spinach, and strawberries—they’re cheaper when in season.
  • Frozen vegetables are a great backup and often just as nutritious.

🧾 3. Shop with a Plan
  • Plan meals for the week using store sales or pantry items you already have.
  • Use a shopping list to stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.

🥣 4. Cook in Bulk
  • Prepare large batches of soups, casseroles, or stews and freeze leftovers.
  • Stretch proteins by combining with beans, rice, or vegetables.

🥗 Simple Meal Idea: One-Pot Lentil & Veggie Soup
  • 1 cup dried lentils or 1 can (rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
Simmer everything in a pot for 30–40 minutes. Nutritious, filling, and under $6 for 4 servings!

🏡 What We’re Doing at Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc.

Through our monthly food distributions, nutrition workshops, and digital education content, we provide:

✅ Free, healthy food to families in Newport News and Hampton
✅ Simple nutrition guides with every food box
✅ Blog posts and videos that teach how to stretch meals, shop smart, and cook on a budget
✅ Community partnerships that help us source fresh produce and shelf-stable staples

​We believe that Better Nutrition = Better Life—and we’re committed to helping families break the cycle of poor health caused by poor access.

❤️ Eating healthy shouldn't be a luxury—it should be a basic human right. The rising cost of nutritious food disproportionately affects those who can afford it the least, further deepening health and wealth inequalities. But with education, community support, and a commitment to better access, we can make healthy eating possible for everyone.

📍 Get Help or Support the Mission:🌐 Donate Here
📞 Food support, workshops, volunteer opportunities

Download our April 2025 Guide for recipes, exercises, tips, and tricks you can use today!
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📚 Sources:

【1】U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Report (2024)
【2】USDA Economic Research Service, Food Price Outlook, 2024
【3】USDA, Household Food Security in the United States in 2022
【4】Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, 2023 Community Impact Report
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Better Nutrition for a Better Life Program Launch

2/16/2025

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by Alesha Brown, Chief Operating Officer
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Understanding Food Insecurity in the U.S. & How to Eat Healthier on a Budget Food insecurity is a growing crisis in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families who struggle to access nutritious and affordable meals.

While government programs and food banks help alleviate hunger, many households rely on nonperishable, processed, and prepackaged foods to get by. The challenge, however, is finding ways to make these foods nutritious, budget-friendly, and sustainable for the entire family.

Food Insecurity in the U.S. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. According to Feeding America, over 34 million people in the U.S., including 9 million children, experience food insecurity each year【1】.

Some key causes of food insecurity include:

✔️ Low wages & unemployment

✔️ High cost of living & inflation

✔️ Limited access to fresh food in food deserts
✔️ Rising healthcare costs

✔️ Lack of transportation to grocery stores Households facing food insecurity often rely on food banks and pantries, where nonperishable foods like canned goods, boxed meals, and processed items are more available than fresh produce and meats.

Food Insecurity in Newport News & Hampton, VA The food insecurity crisis also affects Virginia, particularly in Newport News and Hampton. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, food insecurity rates in Newport News and Hampton are 10.7% and 9.1%, respectively【2】.

That means over 48,000 individuals in the Greater Peninsula are struggling to access nutritious food.

Key statistics:

📌 1 in 11 individuals in the region is food insecure
📌 20,000 children in the area lack access to adequate food
📌 Foodbanks and pantries have seen a 30% increase in demand
📌 Up to 50% decrease in food donations due to inflation

While food banks provide essential relief, many individuals rely on low-cost, nonperishable foods that may not always be the healthiest options. So, how can we make better use of what’s available while improving our health?

Download our February Guide for recipes, exercises, tips, and tricks you can use today!
​

📚 Cited Sources[1] National Food Insecurity Statistics
➡️ Source: Feeding America, "The State of Food Insecurity in America 2023"
🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
[2] Local Data – Newport News & Hampton, VA
➡️ Source: Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap 2023 – Virginia County-Level Food Insecurity Data
🔗 https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2021/overall/virginia
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Coping & Preparing: Dementia Care for Families and Caregivers

9/12/2024

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On September 12, 2024, Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc., in partnership with Pearl Bailey Library, hosted a special event titled “Coping & Preparing for Dementia.” Led by Elder Deloris Pettaway, this insightful session provided attendees with essential knowledge on dementia care, legal preparations, and caregiver support strategies. It is vital that we be proactive in understanding and preparing for dementia, both for caregivers and family members.

Key Takeaways
1. Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia is much more than just memory loss—it impacts many areas of life, including thinking, behavior, and communication. This event taught attendees how to recognize the early symptoms of dementia, such as confusion with time and place, difficulty with words, and changes in mood or personality. Early detection, as Elder Pettaway stressed, is vital for seeking timely medical care and support.


2. Legal Preparedness is Crucial
Tke steps to ensure that their loved one’s legal documents, such as powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, are in place before the disease progresses. This event shared key legal documents that protect both the person with dementia and their family, helping avoid complicated legal issues later on.


3. Caregiver Stress and Self-Care Strategies
A core focus is caregiver self-care. Deloris shared practical tips on how caregivers can manage stress, take regular breaks, and seek emotional support to avoid burnout. Caring for yourself makes you better able to care for your loved ones.


4. Community Connection
The event also served as a reminder of the importance of building a support network. Attendees always have the opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and exchange advice on caregiving. This provides a powerful moment of community bonding that reinforces that no one has to navigate dementia care alone.

Dementia Caregiver Toolkit Available for Download
As part of the event, attendees are given our free Dementia Caregiver Toolkit, packed with essential resources for families and caregivers. This toolkit includes:
  • A Checklist for Early Signs of Dementia to help monitor changes.
  • A Legal Preparedness Guide covering key documents like power of attorney and advance healthcare directives.
  • Self-care tips and strategies for managing caregiver stress.
  • Guidance on making home safety modifications to ensure a safe living environment for your loved one.
  • A comprehensive list of local and national support resources for dementia care.

Looking Ahead
For those who couldn’t attend, it’s not too late to access the valuable resources shared at the event. Download the Dementia Caregiver Toolkit below to equip yourself with practical insights and resources for caregiving.

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Download our Dementia Preparedness Toolkit
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Empowering Families with Our Gun Violence Prevention Toolkit Resource List

8/31/2024

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We are thrilled to share the success of our recent event, "Preventing and Responding to Gun Violence," held at Pearl Bailey Library. With an inspiring session led by our guest speaker, Joel Jones from the Strong Arms Gun Club, we brought valuable insights and practical strategies to parents and community members on how to protect their children from the impacts of gun violence.

At Crusading Outreach Ministry, our mission is to equip individuals with the tools they need to live their best lives, and this event was a testament to that commitment. We understand the importance of education, awareness, and proactive measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of our families.

To further support our community, we are excited to offer a Free Gun Violence Prevention Toolkit ​Resource List available for download. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide parents, guardians, and educators with essential information, strategies, and tools to prevent gun violence and respond effectively if faced with such situations.

Download the toolkit today and join us in our mission to build safer, stronger communities.
Together, we can make a difference.

Download the Free Gun Violence Prevention Toolkit Resource List Here

Alesha Brown
Chief Operating Officer, Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc.
Founder, More Than Words ARB™

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Embrace Your Transformation: How Trauma Shapes Your Journey with Joy Samuels!

10/25/2023

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🦋 Embrace Your Transformation: How Trauma Shapes Your Journey with Joy Samuels! 🦋

Get ready to spread your wings and soar! Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. is delighted to welcome the inspiring Joy Samuels, CEO of The Joy Within, as our guest speaker for the upcoming session on Thursday, October 26th, 2023. Join us for the eye-opening six-week class: Ready to Present: How Trauma Affects Parenting.

🌟 Meet Joy Samuels, the Catalyst for Change: 🌟www.thejoywithin.net

As the visionary CEO of The Joy Within, Joy dedicates her life to nurturing the spirits of young women aged 9-21. Under her compassionate leadership, The Joy Within provides a haven of creativity, mentorship, and empowerment. Through innovative workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership training, Joy equips these young individuals with the confidence and tools to make positive life choices.

🌸 Why Joy Samuels? 🌸

Joy's passion for personal and educational development is unmatched. Drawing from her experience as a Family Support Specialist and her current role as a Family Engagement Community Specialist at Newsome Park Elementary, she knows the transformative power of guidance and growth. Just like butterflies undergo metamorphosis, Joy believes in the incredible potential for change within every individual.

🌈 Join Us on the Journey: 🌈

This session isn't just about understanding trauma; it's about embracing resilience and transformation. With faith in God and the unwavering support of The Joy Within, Joy Samuels inspires young women to believe in themselves and reach for the stars.

🦋 Event Details: 🦋

Date: Thursday, October 26th, 2023  
Time: 6:00 pm EST 
Location:
C Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E, 2308 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 236097

Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing adventure with Joy Samuels. Let her wisdom guide you towards newfound strength and confidence. RSVP today and prepare to transform like never before.


RSVP Now! 🎉


Reserve your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this transformative event! RSVP’s are preferred, so secure your seat at the link below:
​

https://CrusadingOutreach.org/Events
https://ReadyToPresent2023.eventbrite.com

🌟 Spread Your Wings and Embrace Your Joy Within! 🌟 
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Unveiling Resilience: Navigating Trauma and Parenting with Coach Letitia Bates, DTM!

10/17/2023

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​🌟
Get Ready to Ignite Your Potential! 🌟


Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. is thrilled to present a life-changing session with our esteemed guest speaker, Letitia Bates, DTM! Brace yourselves for an empowering journey as Letitia unveils the secrets in week 3 of our exclusive six-week class: Ready to Present: How Trauma Affects Parenting.

📅 Date: Thursday, October 19th, 2023
🕒 Time: 6:30 pm
📍 Location:  C Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E, 2308 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 236097

✨ About Coach Letitia Bates, DTM: ✨

Join us and be inspired by Letitia Bates, the dynamic founder, and CEO of At The Wheel Coaching. She's not just a speaker; she's a force of nature! 


Letitia is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of I CAN: 12 Keys To Achieve Personal Success In The SMARTEST Way. With a summa cum laude degree from Eastern Mennonite University in Management and Organizational Development, she brings over 25 years of leadership and training experience to the table. Letitia's passion shines through her 20 years of expertise in curriculum development for community enrichment programs.


🚀 Why Attend? 🚀
Letitia Bates will unravel the profound connection between trauma and parenting, guiding you toward a path of understanding and empowerment. Don't miss this chance to learn from an expert who's dedicated her life to transforming individuals and communities!


RSVP Now! 🎉


Reserve your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this transformative event! RSVP’s are preferred, so secure your seat at the link below:
https://CrusadingOutreach.org/Events
https://ReadyToPresent2023.eventbrite.com
​


Get ready to transform your life and parenting journey with Letitia Bates! Together, we'll discover the keys to personal success and resilience. See you there! 🌟


🔑 To Book Letitia Bates, DTM: 🔑
Letitia Bates, DTM
Consultant | Speaker | Trainer | EFT Expert | Bestselling Author
At The Wheel Coaching
Live Empowered. Stay Driven.
  • Executive Coaching
  • Group Sessions
  • Corporate Facilitation
  • Workshops
📞 Phone: 540.874.2647  
🌐 Website: https://atthewheelcoaching.com 
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Young Achievers Excellence Virtual Program's June 2020 Guest Entrepreneurs

6/22/2020

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Click on each Image to Read the Full Press Release
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The Needs are Greater Than You Think

5/3/2020

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by Alesha Brown, Chief Association Executive
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Of course, you expect increased needs during a pandemic, but there's nothing like a hands-on, bird's eye view to show you the magnitude of help needed.

In the past two weeks, our ministry has experienced an influx of phone calls for food, toiletries and other supplies. Many non-profit, donors and private corporations have come together to create massive food & supply drives. However, the truth is it is not enough.

None of us know how much longer COVID-19 will last, but I can leave you with this message of reassurance:
If you focus on meeting the needs of others, your needs will always be met.
After standing in long lines for our households, it isn't always easy to do the same for the outreach. (Honestly, often we do it in reverse order.) Our Founder/Director and our Chief Executive Consultant were in a line for over four hours just to purchase bulk toilet paper, sanitizer and PPE to distribute. On another day, they were making supply runs from one end of the Peninsula to Tidewater VA.

Our Corporate Giving and Community Health Directors have been diligently fundraising and supplying meals, toiletries and other supplies in the community. I have spent countless days and hours writing grants to bring in additional funds so we can meet the influx of need requests.

And we unanimously would say it's all worth it! We are encouraged when we look into the eyes of those we serve and hear reports of the smiles and tears of those we can meet their needs. To see a child smile when they are given a toy while the parents are given food and supplies. Or to see the shock and tears of relief when they see their boxes include meats, toilet paper and other things that they cannot seem to find.

Will you join us in making a difference by making an impact?
Take care of your health and that of your families, but don't forget to look for ways to meet the needs of others. The poor will always be among us, but hopefully so will those with a giving heart.
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Park Place Community Garden:  The Value of a Community Garden

6/29/2018

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If you have followed our non profit over the past couple of months, you know that we are in Phase I of our Community Garden Project in Park Place (Hampton, VA). There are some obvious benefits of having a community garden, but there might be some you don't readily think about.

We would like to share the following benefits with you (courtesy of Greenleaf Communities):
  • Increase access to fresh foods
  • Improve food security
  • Increase physical activity through garden maintenance activities
  • Improve dietary habits through education
  • Increase fruit and vegetable intake
  • Reduce risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases
  • Improve mental health and promote relaxation
  • Gardens in urban areas are positively correlated with decreased crime rates
  • Vacant lands can lead to crime which can detrimentally impact the health of residents
  • Residents in areas with high crime rates may experience cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders
  • Gardens can improve economic opportunities by training volunteers and selling food at farmers’ markets

We can't think of a better place for us to launch our first community garden that the food desert of Park Place in Hampton, VA. We invite you and your family to help us make a difference and even consider purchasing your own plot (see below).

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Media Blitz:  What Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. does?

3/15/2018

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