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Feeding America: Landmark New Study Reveals Unprecedented Number of Americans Seeking Food
February 2, 2010A landmark study released today from Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, reports that more than 37 million people, one in eight Americans -- including 14 million children and nearly 3 million seniors -- receive emergency food each year through the nation's network of food banks and the agencies they serve. The findings represent a staggering 46 percent increase since the organization's previously released study in 2006. Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to capture the significant connection between the recent economic downturn and an increased need for emergency food assistance. The number of children and adults in need of food as a result of experiencing food insecurity has significantly increased. More than one in three client households are experiencing very low food security—or hunger—a 54 percent increase in the number of households compared to four years ago. Full release.