Feeding America, America’s largest national hunger relief and food rescue organization, recently released a new report highlighting the latest estimate of charitable food assistance turnout, noting the number of people who received assistance one or more times from the solidarity food sector.
According to the report, it is highlighted that in 2022, approximately 49 million people in the US, that is, one in six people, turned to hunger relief programs for support, which includes the network Feeding America national network of more than 200 food banks, 21 state food bank associations, and more than 60,000 food pantries and associated meal programs.
In addition, last year the Feeding America network provided 4.9 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need.
“Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. The collective efforts of the public and private sectors have helped mitigate a national hunger crisis sparked by the pandemic in 2020, but the reality remains that 1 in 6 people look to food banks and pantries for support as they work hard to stay alive. themselves and their families,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, executive director of Feeding America.
“Local food banks, pantries, and community meal programs have become an essential component of many households’ food budgets, especially as we continue to face rising food prices and the end of benefits. of the pandemic era,” added Babineaux-Fontenot.
Feeding America notes that across the country, families and individuals are doing everything they can to put food on the table. Mary Wheat, director of the South Community Food Pantry in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, said the distributions continue to be a community effort, with everyone working together to provide food to those in need.
Demand has also intensified due to high food prices. “There is a lot of need,” Wheat said. “But there are many people willing to help. It’s a good community… because people care.” Although food insecurity exists in every community in the United States, certain communities experience food insecurity differently. That’s why Feeding America is accelerating efforts to address disparities and promote solutions for an America where no one goes hungry.
Since early 2022, many government assistance programs to deal with the Covid pandemic have ended, including increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
A recent Feeding America survey showed that 80% of food banks reported an increase or steady demand for emergency food services.
“As a nation, we must reinvigorate our commitment to ending hunger and work together, including the public and private sectors, to continue to make substantial progress,” Babineaux-Fontenot said. “That’s why we advocate for passage of a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill 2023. Nutrition programs within the farm bill work in conjunction with food banks across the country to help families and individuals facing food insecurity. By participating in a joint effort, we can continue to co-create solutions to increase access to nutritious food for all.”
To learn more about the movement to end hunger and advocate for a farm bill that helps keep food on the table, go here.
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