Across the nation yesterday, many of us examined what the national Hunger Study 2010 was really telling us. People that work with hunger fighting agencies every day certainly are aware that the numbers are up. The lines at pantries are longer, the time that people must wait for their SNAP benefits (food stamps) to be activated have been longer, and the number of children who qualify for free and reduced lunches is larger.
When we examined the study, and thought back to the last Hunger Study (published in 2006), we took the time to look at the increases that the Food Banks have seen. In northern Nevada, these increases were unbelievable. The number of people served in a single year at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is 124,200, which is four times what it was in 2006. The numbers of children needing emergency food assistance have skyrocketed as well. Close to 50,000 children are served in northern Nevada, with 1/3 of them facing very low food security, which is actually facing hunger on a regular basis.
There are things we learned from the study that we suspected were true, but are confirmed, such as the difficult choices facing our neighbors every day. The study showed that 44% of people that are served by the Food Bank have to choose between food and rent, mortgage or utilities. We know that over 40% of those served have unpaid medical or hospital bills and that 32.5% don’t have health insurance.
The 2010 Hunger Study shows us what we are facing and that the problems affect all members of our communities. The task before us is larger than it ever has been in recent history. There are many families counting on us for help with their very basic needs. This task can seem overwhelming when a document like the Hunger Study surfaces but what it really gives us is an opportunity. An opportunity to change the tide and make a difference.
Every person has the power to make a difference and when we all pull together, we do. We ask you to take a small amount of time and energy to lend to this cause. You could volunteer for a couple of hours, offer a $10 donation (providing 40 meals), or spread the word to a friend.
Our work depends on you and that is exactly why it is possible.
If you are interested in learning more about the recent hunger study, click here for the press release Hunger Study Findings , here for the Additional Information Page and here for the State Statistics.