In the world's richest nation, more than 36 million people, including 14 million children, experience hunger.

In 2005, requests for emergency food assistance increased 12%

• 54% were members of families with children
• 40% of adults requesting assistance were employed
• Approximately 7-million different people receive assistance in any given week

 

1 in 10 households could not lead active, healthy lives because they did not have enough to eat. 25.7-million people participate in the food stamp program (8.6% of the U.S. population) In 2000, the federal government's official poverty level for a family of four was $17,463 - an egregiously inadequate amount that a family needs to survive.

 

 

 

 

96-billion pounds of food is thrown away each year by the Food Service Industry. (Source: FoodChain) Hunger in the United States CAN be eliminated.  Other countries with the same average per capita income have done so.

 

The 2000 U.S. Census Bureau reveals that 50% of the total income earned in the U.S. went to the pocketbooks of the wealthiest 20% of U.S. households.

Statistics from ELCA.org and Second Harvest

For More Information:

Hunger in America, and Its Solutions
Basic Facts from the Food Research and Action Center Hunger in America, and Its Solutions

The Rich Get Richer, The Poor Go Hungry