U.S. Food Banks Having Trouble Keeping Up with Increasing Needs

Ron Goldblatt

Across America, the richest nation on the globe, thousands of people are going to bed hungry each night.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hunger Resource Network

U.S. Food Banks Having Trouble Keeping Up with Increasing Needs

NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS (December , 2020)-Across America, the richest nation on the globe, thousands of people are going to bed hungry each night. Food bank, shelter and soup kitchen staffs in virtually every corner of America are reporting dramatic increases in the number of people in need of food. They report that this is unlike anything they have ever seen, even during The Great Recession of 2007.

In some communities, the lines of cars and trucks waiting for food is causing major traffic jams and keeping families waiting for hours to receive a box or bag filled with food. It has been reported that 40% of those relying on food pantries today are doing so for the first time in their lives.

The number of people relying on food banks, shelters, soup kitchens and pantries was estimated at 18 million in 2019, before the Covid-19 Pandemic struck. The number by the end of 2020 is estimated to be more than 22 million people…and 1 out of every 4 American children.

Feeding America, the nation’s largest food pantry, has been forced to close 20% of its 200 locations in 2020 due to a shortage of available food. They estimate that there will be a shortage of 8 billion meals in the next 12 months.

A study by the Food Resource & Action Center noted that before the Pandemic, 25% of those relying on food had incomes of $50,000 or more. Today, so many have lost their jobs that even those receiving unemployment compensation and the modest stimulus checks provided by the government, there is not enough money to feed their household and pay all of their bills--often including their mortgage or rent. Some have lost their insurance coverage and have been hit with significant healthcare bills.

In response, some people are setting up Go Fund Me pages, asking for their birthday or anniversary gifts be contributions to their local food pantries. Amazon’s Smiles program donates 0.05% of participant’s purchases, on most of their products, to a charity of their choice. People are setting up food drives, clearing out their pantries of extra food items and organizations like Hunger Resource Network are stepping up their food donations and programs as much as possible.

To learn more about how you can help go to www.hungerresourcenetwork.org If you are in need of food, regardless of your income, contact the Northfield Township Food Pantry at www.twp.northfield.il.us or call 847-724-8300.

Hunger Resource Network is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization based in Northbrook, IL. It is dedicated to help alleviate hunger in the Chicago area by meeting the needs of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

< Older Post Newer Post >

SHARE THIS POST:

The Importance of Protein

By Marcy Kirshenbaum • 22 Oct, 2023

By addressing food insecurity and promoting adequate protein intake, we can improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities. This requires collaborative efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations, community-based initiatives, and individuals to create sustainable solutions and break the cycle of food insecurity. Efforts should focus on improving access to nutritious food, promoting sustainable agriculture, fostering economic opportunities, and empowering vulnerable populations. Food insecurity has profound consequences on physical health, cognitive development, and overall well-being. When individuals or households experience food insecurity, they often struggle to access an adequate and diverse range of nutritious foods, including those rich in protein. Inadequate protein intake contributes to malnutrition and its associated health consequences. Protein is essential for growth , development, and maintenance of the body's tissues, as well as for numerous physiological processes. It plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscles, producing enzymes and hormones, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Protein intake has an additional benefit of reducing feelings of hunger because it metabolizes at a slower rate than carbohydrates thereby promoting fullness. Insufficient protein intake can lead to muscle wasting, increased illness, delayed wound healing, and decreased overall health and well-being.