FEEDING FAMILIES

One of the most common misconceptions is the assumption that if someone is hungry, that means they do not have a job and are living on the streets. What most people don’t understand is that anyone can experience hunger. It is a silent epidemic that affects more than 35 million Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2006, 16.8 million people lived in working-poor families. In fact, 30% of households in Second Harvest’s service area have at least one employed adult and are considered a working-poor family.

The average household income during a month for those families is $790 in the greater St. Joseph area, compared to the U.S. average of $5,006 in 2006.

Other challenges facing the area include rural hunger. Employment is more concentrated in low-wage industries and unemployment and underemployment are greater in rural areas. The fact that so many people need to turn to Second Harvest just to eat in the same communities where food is raised is a sad reminder of how much more needs to be done.

Simply put, families who are struggling are finding it even more difficult to purchase food at a grocery store. On top of that, gas prices are rising and families have to choose between food and gas, utilities and rent.

Second Harvest reaches many of these food-insecure families through its network of partnering agencies in the 19-county service area. The 125 agencies include faith-based food pantries, emergency food pantries, feeding centers, senior citizen centers and day care centers.

Through online ordering, member agencies have access to more than 3.8 million pounds of food and household items every year. The delivery of these items as well as perishable foods and fresh produce are on a regular basis through a rural delivery program. Each month Second Harvest serves 25,000 individuals in the service area.

In addition to providing delivery to agencies, Second Harvest also distributes holiday meals in November and December and during Easter time.