Statement from Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America
Food insecurity in the United States has reached crisis level, with 47 million people - 1 in 7 - facing hunger. Feeding America’s place at the top of Forbes Top 100 Charities reflects the urgency of the situation. It also represents nearly 6 billion meals provided across a vast network of the hundreds of food banks and tens of thousands of local organizations across the country who are part of the mission to end hunger. Together, we are looking forward to a day when food insecurity is no longer prevalent, and we are working, alongside people facing hunger, to make that a reality.
Today, hunger exists in plain sight in every community, whether we see it or not. Despite some signs of an improving economy, our Elevating Voices: Insights Report showed that high costs for food and other essentials like rent has intensified food insecurity for many families. While each person’s experience is unique, people facing hunger have shared common priorities that drive Feeding America’s work: dignity and respect, access to healthy food to support a healthy life, and economic stability and mobility.
Our work is far from over, but I remain hopeful. We are proud to stand alongside people facing hunger as well as the tens of millions of people who support our mission, and we invite everyone to join us. When we all work together –non-profits, agencies, businesses, and the government – and listen intently to people facing hunger, we co-create thriving communities and a hunger-free America.
Contact
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on X.com.