Mar 25, 2024 Kairos Social Program Feature: Impact of Addressing Food Insecurity on our Residents
Understanding the Problem
In 2022, the United States saw a surge in food insecurity. The number of affected Americans rose to 17 million, up significantly from 13.5 million in 2021, according to the USDA. Food insecurity poses significant challenges for households, leading to disruptions in regular eating habits and contributing to the development of various chronic health issues. Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, mental health disorders, and other long-term illnesses often create a cycle that can interfere with a person’s ability to work and hamper their capacity to provide for themselves and their families.
The USDA also reported that 8.8 percent of U.S. households (3.3 million) with children faced periods of food insecurity in 2022. This meant that approximately 13 million children encountered difficulties in accessing sufficient and nutritious food at times. While children had been historically spared from disruptions in eating patterns associated with very low food security, 2022 was different. Children went hungry, skipped meals, or even went without eating for an entire day largely due to insufficient funds for food.
Identifying Solutions
In 2016, Kairos introduced its Impact Strategy with a dual-purposed goal of creating a positive social impact without compromising expected future growth of investments for investors. Shortly following the launch of the Impact Strategy, Kairos launched social programs in 2017 aimed at providing resources and offering opportunities to residents that go beyond traditional multifamily amenities like pools or fitness centers. The programs are tailored to each property, carefully curated with feedback through market research and resident surveys, to address the most pressing needs of each resident community. As a result of these assessments, Kairos rolled out programs squarely focused on addressing food insecurity including on-site food pantries, senior grocery boxes, summer meals for students, and nutrition education. These programs, and dozens of others that we have implemented across our portfolio, support our residents at our communities.
Food security is a fundamental aspect of Kairos’ mission to positively impact residents. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents can rely on secure, affordable housing and access to nutritious food. When combined, the Kairos experience is that this fosters economic well-being, timely rent payments, and high retention rates for our residents—all of which contribute to the overall health of Kairos’ investments.
Feeling the Impact
Rollout of a program is just part of the equation. Measuring performance is the key to ensuring long term success of the programs and their impact on our residents. Kairos monitors program metrics to maximize effectiveness, including participation figures and the quantified value of goods and services. While many of Kairos’ social programs have experienced growth over the years, food initiatives experienced a notable upswing beginning in 2020, which persisted through 2023. This data is crucial for establishing benchmarks and sustaining ongoing programs across our platform.
A common challenge for those facing food insecurity is rooted budgeting, where families must choose between groceries or covering other essential bills like electricity or water. While all are critical needs, lower-income households frequently face the difficult decision of sacrificing one for the other.
A tangible impact of the programs implemented by Kairos applied to a resident of Kairos’ Willamette Gardens in Eugene, Oregon. Thanks to a partnership with a local food bank, a bi-monthly food pantry is available on property for residents. The food supplied is high quality, nutritious, and helps residents make their finances go further.
During a food distribution event, a resident approached the property manager expressing gratitude and noting, “Just today, I needed to decide between making my car payment or buying groceries. There just isn’t enough money to do both.” At Willamette Gardens and other Kairos-owned affordable housing properties, the food program means residents do not have to sacrifice their health and well-being in order to pay other bills.
The Kairos Social Impact Program Team partners with the respective property management teams to supervise these programs. While overseeing food distribution and other organized events, the property management staff develops meaningful relationships with residents. These positive interactions help to retain residents, subsequently minimizing turnover costs and vacant units. Ultimately, this translates into a more stable cash flow for the property and consequently our investors that have invested in the strategy.
Breaking the Cycle of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity poses significant challenges to the economic well-being of individuals and families. Disruptions in access to proper nutrition can lead to chronic health issues that can result in missed employment opportunities. Prolonged unemployment may eventually lead to homelessness, further intensifying the cycle of food insecurity and adding other complex issues. Parents grappling with food insecurity often experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, food-insecure children may face an increased risk of various negative health outcomes, including obesity, which could impose additional expenses and financial strain on the family.
As part of a comprehensive affordable housing initiative, Kairos’ Impact Strategy aims to break this detrimental cycle. By providing nutritious food on-site and offering education on cooking and storage, food insecurity can be addressed and potentially alleviated. Improved nutrition enhances the mental and physical well-being of residents, enabling them to be more productive in their jobs and enhance their economic circumstances.
While addressing food insecurity is just one of the Kairos Impact Programs, this approach helps residents remain in their units and starts the process for helping residents understand what programs are available to them to get them on the right trajectory. This can all be done while supporting a consistent cash flow for investors in the strategy.
*Food distribution programs offered to tenants living at Kairos properties from 2017- 2022 in partnership with nonprofit organizations.
About Kairos Impact Strategy
The Kairos Impact Strategy is integrated into its investment platform via a multi-pronged approach focused on providing quality affordable housing and supported by complementary social programming. Kairos is committed to investing for our partners while making a positive impact in our communities.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america
https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/107703/err-325_summary.pdf?v=7340.7