In Missouri, one in every seven households is left hungry. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service found that nearly one-third of American households with a disabled adult family member experience low food security. Dr. Craig Escude, a family physician and specialist in intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals reported an increased likelihood of these factors in Missouri.

“Around a million people in Missouri are affected by food insecurity. The recently released study showed that people with a family member with a disability, that includes those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have about a three times higher risk of experiencing food insecurity,” said Escude.

The inability of disabled individuals and caregivers to maintain steady income as well as medical expenses are factors that directly contribute to the increased risk of food insecurity.

“I have cerebral palsy I’ve had that my whole life, and I’ve had to fight my way through probably harder than everyone else,” said Duane Gruis, an advocate and family navigator for disability service organization, UCP Heartland.

Wednesday brought several other advocates for this cause to the Capitol Rotunda in honor of Disability Rights Legislative Day.