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

Feeding America Says More Help is Needed

CHICAGO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The US Census Bureau is scheduled to release new statistics on poverty on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Demographers believe that the new numbers will find that the poverty rate has increased from 13.2 percent to 15 percent. This is the largest one-year increase since the data was first collected in 1959.

This means that 45 million Americans are currently living in poverty.

Statement Attributable to Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America:

"These dismal poverty numbers are further proof that an increasing number of Americans are struggling everyday to feed themselves and their children.

"The findings prove the critical need for Congress to pass child nutrition reauthorization legislation this month, which will help provide nourishing food to children living in poverty.

"Feeding America urges Congress to be mindful of the food assistance needs of all Americans living in poverty – including the critical importance of SNAP benefits and emergency food assistance.

"The nationwide network of Feeding America food banks receives generous support from corporate partners and private donors, but it can only continue to meet the increasing need for emergency food assistance if there is a sustained commitment from our Federal partners to provide additional food and needed resources."  

Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief 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.

Hunger in America 2010, a study released by Feeding America every four years, found that the need for emergency food service increase by more than 46% between 2006 and 2010:  hunger in America 2010.

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

SOURCE Feeding America