Hey Y’all!
Did you know that 1 in 6 people in the United States are hungry? So much for being the land of plenty! Many people believe that only certain areas of America are hungry, or certain neighborhoods – but in reality, the prevalence of hunger is much different. This brings me to today’s fact.
Today’s Fact:
There are for than 560,000 individuals at risk for hunger in the Food Bank’s 34-county service area.
Who are these people at risk for hunger in our community? About 73,000 different people receive emergency food assistance in any given week.
- 29% (more than 180,000) of those served by the Food Bank are children
- 8% of people served by the Food Bank are elderly
- 30% of households include at least one employed adult
- Only 8% are homeless
North Carolina is one of the highest states that has experienced food insecurity rates. Below is a chart, and information from FeedingAmerica.org, about the nine states that have exhibited statistically significant higher food insecurity rates:
Nine states exhibited statistically significant higher household food insecurity rates than the U.S. national average 2008-2010: iv
United States 14.6%
Mississippi 19.4%
Texas 18.8%
Arkansas 18.6%
Alabama 17.3%
Georgia 16.9%
Ohio 16.4%
Florida 16.1%
California 15.9%
North Carolina 15.7%
After reading this, and reading the statistics, all I can say is thank god for the Food Bank. Every dollar donated to the food bank can provide $10 worth of food, or 5 meals. This can greatly reduce the amount of hunger in our community if we all can just donate even $5. I’m sure we can all give up one Starbucks a week, or one meal out, and work towards the goal of fighting hunger in America, and especially right here at home, in North Carolina.
Even though the telethon that Gregory Ng from FreezerBurns hosted for the Food Bank is over, it is still Hunger Action Month, and we can all make a difference by donating today. Donate food, donate money, or donate your time. Every little bit helps to fight hunger in America, and right here in Raleigh. Do your part and be a hunger hero.
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30 Facts in 30 Days Revisited
September 1
For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can distribute $10 worth of food or 5 meals
September 2
The Food Bank is a first-responder in the time of a natural disaster.
September 3
The Food Bank provided nearly 840,000 lbs of disaster relief product after hurricane Irene last year!
September 4
The Food Bank serves 34 counties in central & eastern North Carolina through six warehouses!
September 6
The Wilmington branch is celebrating their 10th anniversary this fiscal year!
September 7
Currently, 900 partner agencies receive food from the Food Bank
September 8
In the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the Food Bank distributed 11.7 million pounds of fresh produce.
September 9
Four Food Bank branches, Durham, New Bern, Sandhills, Wilmington, had record distribution in 2011-2012.
September 10
97 cents of every dollar donated to the Food Bank goes directly to food and food related programs.
September 11
In 2011, volunteers logged 157,000 hours, equivalent to 70+ full time employees.
September 12
In 2011-2012, the Food Bank distributed a record 45 million pounds of food.
September 13
The Food Bank’s 19,000 square mile service territory is roughly the size of Switzerland!
With Love,
Miss Lindsie
