Healthy Living

Food Insecurity in St. Louis:

(Based on Feeding America research, 2023)

According to Feeding America, the 2023 food insecure population in St. Louis City was 53,840.
The food insecurity rate was 18.4% with 50% of the population being below the SNAP threshold.
The average meal cost was $4.24.
Within St. Louis City, the Annual Food Budget Shortfall was $43,236,000.

Why it matters:

If a child doesn't have the needed nutrition to fuel them throughout the day, how can we expect them to succeed in school and beyond?
The stress food insecurity puts on a family can be felt by every member of that family; A child should never have to wonder if or when their next meal will come.
Many of the families we serve rely on school-provided meals throughout the year.
Access to nutrient dense foods is important to a healthy diet and lifelong healthy living values.

GSGBC Program Highlight

Green St. Louis Machine Garden Club

Green St. Louis Machine (GSLM), was inspired by Stephen Ritz and the Green Bronx Machine to help communities dealing with food insecurity by connecting urban agriculture to school curriculum

90 members participated in GSLM Garden Club in 2025

Activities included:

Growing herbs and vegetables in an aquaponic tower garden
Making and eating healthy food from garden harvests
Making bath bombs using fresh herbs from the garden
Making and marketing dill pickles
GSLM Parent Engagement Night: Home Container Gardens with urban farmer & chef Rona Leah

Here's the impact

Members during the Afterschool Program receive snack and dinner
Members during the Summer Camp Program receive breakfast, lunch and a snack
Participation in our Garden Club teaches kids fundamentals of gardening, healthy meal creation, and sustainability methods
Green St. Louis Machine specifically uses gardening techniques focused on urban living
Participation in our Action Adventure Club and Fitness Club promote healthy activities such as
- Exercising and Stretching
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Canoeing (9-miles on the Mississippi!)
- Exploring local parks and using the Great Rivers Greenway

Social Emotion Wellness Impact

In 2025, 209 members’ SEL Skills were assessed during the Afterschool Program and Summer Camp

100% of members reported learning a new coping skill, with 73% of Afterschool members saying they learned three or more.
97% (202 members) said they have supportive adults at the club who make them feel safe. For members assessed during the Afterschool Program, this increased to 100%
88% (185 members) said they can identify their emotions or learned something new about feelings this year. Additionally, 78 out of 88 reported knowing how to manage their emotions.
84% (175 members) said they gained skills in getting along with others and resolving conflicts.

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