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.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.