Five Things To Know About Family Hunger This Thanksgiving

CHICAGO, Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hunger in America isn't seasonal—it's a year-round issue. With the holiday season upon us, it's hard not to reflect on the 48 million people, including more than 15 million children, in our country who struggle with hunger.

When you set the table this Thursday, Feeding America®, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, wants you to know FIVE things about hunger in America:

1. While many are spending the extra money for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, 79 percent of Feeding America's client households report purchasing the cheapest food available, even if they knew it wasn't the healthiest option, in an effort to provide enough food for their household.
2. When you string up your holiday lights next week, remember that 69 percent of Feeding America households report choosing between paying for utilities and paying for food in the past year, with 34 percent reporting making this choice every month.
3. Hunger affects people of all ages. Feeding America provides food assistance to more than 46 million people annually, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors.
4. While the holidays mean no school days for kids, it can also mean empty stomachs for many. Nearly all Feeding America client households with school-aged children (94 percent) receive free or reduced-price school lunch through the National School Lunch Program.
5. Families facing hunger are at risk for a multitude of health problems, including nutrition-related diseases. For instance, 58 percent of Feeding America households have at least one member who suffers from high blood pressure. Also, 33 percent of Feeding America households have someone who struggles with diabetes.   

A little can go a long way, and a simple gesture can help provide families in need with much-needed food and an extra reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving. Each $1 donation to Feeding America helps provide 11 meals to people in need. Visit feedingamerica.org to find out how to help this holiday season and throughout the year.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Contact:
Ross Fraser
312.641.6422

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SOURCE Feeding America

Related Links

http://www.feedingamerica.org