“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up.”
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Overview of Hunger In America
Just last year, the national poverty rate rose to include 35.9 million Americans, 12.5 percent of the population. More than 36 million people were at risk of suffering from hunger in the United States, including 1 in 3 children. In addition, 3.5 million people were forced to sleep in parks, under bridges, in shelter or cars.
The combination of the high cost of living, low-wage jobs, and high unemployment rates only exacerbate these problems and force countless Americans to choose between food, housing, and other expenses. Studies show that money devoted to food is typically the first to be sacrificed. Families will often pay their fixed payments first, such as rent and utilities, rather than pay for food. Bread for the World reported that 35% of Americans had to choose between food and rent, while 28% had to choose between medical care and food, in the first half of 2007.
People facing food insecurity and hunger are most likely to live in households near or below the poverty line. In addition, households with children are almost twice as likely to face hunger as those without. A recent report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors shows that 34% of people requesting emergency food assistance last year were employed.
Who is Hungry and Why?
The combination of the high cost of living, low-wage jobs, and high unemployment rates only exacerbate these problems and force countless Americans to choose between food, housing, and other expenses. Studies show that money devoted to food is typically the first to be sacrificed. Families will often pay their fixed payments first, such as rent and utilities, rather than pay for food. Bread for the World reported that 35% of Americans had to choose between food and rent, while 28% had to choose between medical care and food, in the first half of 2007.
People facing food insecurity and hunger are most likely to live in households near or below the poverty line. In addition, households with children are almost twice as likely to face hunger as those without. A recent report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors shows that 34% of people requesting emergency food assistance last year were employed.
Who is Hungry and Why?
- 36 million American are at risk of going hungry each year.
- 13 million children, 1 out of 3, in the U.S. are food insecure. 39.1% are male, 60% are female.
- 22% of the food insecure households are African American, 21.7% are Hispanic.
- 11.5% of rural families suffer from food insecurity.
*Statistics provided by The National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness.
Make a Donation to Help Fight Hunger in Jacksonville
Monday, May 5, 2008
Deuteronomy 24:19 (NIV)
"When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands".
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