Many of us probably remember when it wasn’t always easy to eat fresh meat, milk and produce buying during the COVID-19 pandemic. but l 800 million People, getting good, nutritious food is a daily struggle. That is why World Hunger Day is celebrated on May 28 each year to raise awareness and encourage support for ending chronic hunger.
As the No. 1 consumed protein producer in the United States, the chicken industry is uniquely positioned to help promote a national And global food security.
Protein is good for people and our planet
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for AmericansChicken is a lean protein that can help people all stages of life by:
- Providing vitamins and minerals that are involved in brain functions
- Muscle Building
- Promote heart health
- Strengthen the bones
- Helps lose weight
The chicken industry itself has evolved into a highly efficient sector that combines the benefits of domestic farming with the efficiency of modern production, resulting in lower prices, an ample supply of chicken for consumers, and a globally competitive export sector for American agriculture. The price consumers pay for chicken has dropped dramatically over the years: Compared to 1935, consumers pay today 62% less for chickens based on the rate of inflation.
This combination of environmental sustainability, affordability, safety, nutritional value and The popularity makes chicken an essential high-quality protein for ending hunger in the United States. The meat and poultry category is one of the most purchased and consumed food items by SNAP households, and meat such as chicken is one of the top 3 Most wanted items in food banks.
Lean meats like chicken can help bridge the protein gap among food- and nutrient-insecure Americans, which particularly affects women, children, and the elderly, who have a greater need for nutrient-dense foods from animal sources to support healthy diets. .
Fighting chronic hunger
In addition, chicken plays a key role in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing low-cost or free lunches for children with essential nutrients for growth, development, and energy; It is also one of the most consumed meats in the NSLP. It seems that regardless of the federal food assistance program, chicken has a place on the plate.
The American chicken industry understands that food security is also a serious challenge in many communities around the world. As chicken producers, we play a critical role in the food chain and strive to provide safe, nutritious options on grocery shelves everywhere, including in 110 countries around the world. And as demand has increased, so has chicken production: astonishingly, the 25,000 American family broiler farms now produce 21% increase in chickens weight compared to 10 years ago.
So how exactly does the extra protein stack up? Let’s take a closer look.
We don’t stop there. Through continuous research and innovative technologies, the American chicken industry aims to produce more chicken for our nation and the world each year—and ultimately, to fill more dishes.
To learn more about the American chicken industry’s commitment to responsibly improving food security, check out our website 2020 US Broiler Industry Sustainability Report.