How can food assistance programs uphold dignity and respect?

Programs should create welcoming, choice-based environments, reduce bureaucratic barriers, ensure anonymity, and train staff in trauma-informed, non-judgmental service.

Who is ALICE and how does food insecurity affect working families in St. Petersburg, FL?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — working individuals and families who earn above the poverty line but still cannot afford basic necessities.

Re-imagine ST. PETE

Meet ALICE

Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — Essential, Working, Struggling

Back to Re-imagine ST. PETE

Who is ALICE?

There is a misconception that food-insecure individuals are lazy, entitled, uneducated, unemployed, or homeless. While a very small percentage of individuals fit this description, the majority of families faced with food insecurity are working-class families, referred to by the United Way as ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford all the basics, such as housing, childcare, education, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes.

ALICE may be your relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor, or you might be ALICE. ALICE may also be your health care provider, teacher, retail clerk, or sanitation worker. ALICE workers are the backbone of our economy, and we need ALICE.

The State of ALICE in Florida: 2026

ALICE Households:

Span all races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities, though households of color are disproportionately ALICE
Include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services
Often include those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills
Include family members who need care and assistance, which makes it harder for their caregivers to find adequate work
Live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for child care, pay utility bills, or put gas in the car
Are part of every community nationwide

Watch & Learn

Understanding ALICE

This short video puts a face to the numbers — and shows why so many working families in St. Petersburg are one emergency away from crisis.

Reflection

Ensuring Dignity and Respect

Thought-provoking questions:

How can food assistance programs be designed to uphold the dignity and respect of those they serve?

What are some best practices for creating inclusive and non-judgmental environments in food banks and other assistance organizations?

Why and how is community involvement and empowerment in the fight against hunger important?

How can we ensure that those with lived experiences of food insecurity have a voice in shaping policies and programs?

What role does cultural competency play in providing respectful and effective food assistance?

Get Involved

Help ALICE

Every contribution — time, talent, or treasure — helps ALICE families move from surviving to thriving.

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