March is nationally recognized as Women’s History Month — a time when many organizations look at American women’s contributions, as well as uplift and give a platform to issues disproportionately impacting women.

The Yolo Food Bank’s recent newsletter to its supporters commemorating the month highlighted the voices of women impacted by food insecurity in Yolo County and provided some eye-opening statistics regarding how women are more impacted by food insecurity than their male peers.

“Women have been breaking deep-rooted barriers that have hindered their potential in society,” the newsletter starts. “While women are reaching new heights as heads of households, businesses and organizations, many still face the harsh reality of food insecurity — an issue that not only affects their own well-being, but also that of their families.”

According to data provided by the Yolo Food Bank, UCLA conducted a study that found that women account for nearly 43% of the food-insecure population in California. Nationally, 35% of households led by single mothers experience food insecurity, compared to 23% of those led by single fathers, and around the world, women and girls make up 60% of the 690 million people facing food insecurity.

The newsletter featured the stories of women like the ones represented by these statistics, including the story of Kate of Woodland. Kate moved from Belarus to Yolo County six months ago to assist in taking care of her husband’s aunt.

She has attended distributions three times, finding them especially helpful in providing basics like eggs, milk, and fresh vegetables. Plus, her four-year-old daughter, Agatha, likes it when they get juice, according to the account provided by Yolo Food Bank.

Kate said she likes being able to come to distributions later in the day as she first needs to drop her daughter off at school. Since they don’t have a car, Kate likes that the location is close to home.

“It’s so helpful to get groceries that can help us make food for several days because everything at the store is expensive,” she said.

Yolo Food Bank supporter Michelle, who has donated to the food bank and volunteered since 2021, said that when she was a single mom, she could’ve utilized a resource like the Yolo Food Bank.

“Years ago, when I was a single mom, I needed a program like Yolo Food Bank, and I know there are many others in the same position today,” she said. “Even though I did not utilize Yolo Food Bank back then, other people in the community helped me, so I wanted to give back to the community when I retired.”

For more information on Yolo Food Bank, you can go to their website at https://yolofoodbank.org/. For food distribution times, dates and locations, go to the Yolo Food Bank “Find Food” tool at https://yolofoodbank.org/find-food/.