Feeding America seeks support from government, public to fight America’s ongoing hunger crisis
Nearly 85 percent of food banks in the Feeding America network have reported serving more neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic as millions seek help to put food on the table this holiday season. This is according to the most recent survey of food bank leadership by Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief and food rescue organization.
Ninety-four percent of food banks in the Feeding America network responded to a survey between Dec. 10 through Dec. 21 to identify critical gaps in funds, food, volunteers, and distribution. Food banks consistently report a nearly 60 percent increase in demand compared to last year and continue to require more food and resources to provide for people in need.
This news comes when Congress has arrived at a bipartisan COVID relief deal to provide millions of people with short-term economic relief and nutrition assistance. The legislation includes increasing benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – the nation’s first line of defense against hunger – and delivering more nutritious food to the charitable food system through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Still, Feeding America views this as a down payment as more will likely be necessary in the coming months. It will continue to work with policymakers to ensure families have the food they need during this crisis.
“Food banks, food pantries, and meal programs nationwide have been working tirelessly these past nine months to help individuals and families facing hunger – but we cannot fight this battle alone,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “We have been urging Congress for months to pass this emergency relief bill and are grateful for their continued support, for only when we band together can we overcome challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As the 2020 tax year ends, there is still time to make a tax-deductible contribution to help support neighbors nationwide. Feeding America projects 50 million people may experience food insecurity this year, including 17 million children. Each $1 donated helps provide at least 10 meals to neighbors in need. Everyone can make a difference by visiting feedingamerica.org/donate.
Key Findings from Food Bank Leadership Pulse Survey
According to the survey distributed Dec. 10 through Dec. 21:
- Food banks have become accustomed to the new level of increased demand, which they report has consistently been an average of nearly 60 percent more neighbors than last year.
- From March 1 through Nov. 30, the Feeding America network distributed an estimated 4.8 billion meals (5.9 billion pounds) to people facing hunger in the United States.
- Just over 60 percent of food banks are accepting and need volunteers.
To learn more about ways you can help, please visit feedingamerica.org.
Contact
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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.