December 23, 2020 at 11:11 am Volunteer Kristal Locke (L) and Senior Airman Melvin Williamson pack boxes with produce at the Nourish Pierce County food bank set up at the Mountain View Lutheran Church on April 4, 2020 in Edgewood, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images) The latest statistics show that poverty has been increasing, thanks at least in part due to shutdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at the University of Washington have been analyzing the effect of poverty locally, in particular focusing on what’s referred to as “food insecurity.” “So basically, food insecurity, what we’re trying to get at here is a lack of consistent access to enough food to support an active and healthy lifestyle,” explained James Buskiewicz, an analyst at the UW who helps run the ongoing food survey. “So it’s not just about whether or not you’re actually experiencing the physical symptoms of hunger, but it’s whether or not you’re able to actually have healthy foods that can support you and your family.”