Nation's Largest Hunger Relief Organization Responds to New Poverty Numbers

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Sep 16, 2010, 02:23 ET

Feeding America Supports Child Nutrition Bill

CHICAGO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Census released new statistics today, which find that nearly 44 million Americans lived in poverty in 2009, an increase of 3.8 million from 2008.

The report also found that 15.5 million children live in poverty –more than 1 in 5 American children. http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb10-144.html

"These numbers indicate that our food banks will continue to see large numbers of Americans needing emergency help to feed both themselves and their families. We are particularly concerned that so many children are living in poverty," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Hunger affects every aspect of a child's life – from their health and well being to their education. These new numbers prove the urgent need to pass robust, well-funded child nutrition legislation. Many low-income children lack the nutrition they need, especially when they are away from school. In addition to strengthening school nutrition programs, this legislation must ensure that our most vulnerable children have access to adequate food on weekends, after school, on during the summer months."

The new poverty statistics underscore the findings of Feeding America's Hunger in America 2010 study, which was released in February. It concluded that Feeding America is now providing food to more than 37 million Americans annually, including 14 million children, an increase of 46 percent over 2006.

Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic relief hunger organization. In 2009, Feeding America provided more than 3 billion pounds of food and grocery products to low-income Americans through a network of 200 food banks that serve 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

CONTACT: Ross Fraser of Feeding America, +1-312-641-6422

SOURCE Feeding America