The rising cost of living continues to strain many households, and interruptions to food assistance programs during the temporary government shutdown added new stress for those already trying to stay afloat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, about 13.5 percent of U.S. households, including 7.2 million children, experienced food insecurity. This is an increase over the previous year's figures, highlighting how quickly families can slip into hardship when basic needs become unstable.

Food insecurity is often described as a financial issue, but its impact reaches far deeper. When people are unsure whether they will have enough to eat, their relationship with food and with their bodies can shift in meaningful ways. This uncertainty can influence emotional responses, physical cues, and the way a person understands hunger and safety, all of which can increase vulnerability to eating disorders.

When food becomes unpredictable, the body’s stress system heightens. Hunger may feel sharper, food may become more attention-grabbing, and eating can feel urgent once food is available. These responses........

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