Food Insecurity in the U.S.: Insights from Catholic Social Thought and Economics

The Lumen Christi Institute

A webinar panel discussion with theologian, Margaret Pfeil (University of Notre Dame), and economists Bruce Weber (Oregon State), and Craig Gundersen (University of Illinois), moderated by economist Chris Barrett (Cornell University). Food insecurity has become a leading indicator of well-being in the U.S. due to the tens of millions of food insecure Americans and the accordant negative physical and mental health outcomes and higher health care costs. Its importance has become even more stark during COVID-19, as rates are predicted to rise by almost 50% in 2020 in comparison to 2019. This program is co-presented by the Lumen Christi Institute and the Catholic Research Economists Discussion Organization (CREDO), and is co-sponsored by America Media, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO). Originally presented as a live web event on December 3, 2020.