“During this season of giving, those of us who can afford to give must work together to help their hungry neighbors," said Robert Forney, President and CEO, America's Second Harvest.
“Without the work of business, government, and individuals, it could be a less than joyous season for the millions of families struggling to make ends meet.”
Across the country, hunger-relief charities are reporting that meeting the increase in demand has put a strain on their operations.
“Without the work of business, government, and individuals, it could be a less than joyous season for the millions of families struggling to make ends meet.”
Across the country, hunger-relief charities are reporting that meeting the increase in demand has put a strain on their operations.
America's Second Harvest is a national organization working closely with its regional affiliates to help them meet their local needs. Working with national companies the network can leverage donations of both food and funds to offset local and regional economic stresses, and through its advocacy efforts can raise awareness of federal programs to help families in need of assistance.
But the demand at some local hunger-relief organizations has recently outweighed even that assistance. The Greater Boston Food Bank reported that the high cost of living and the uncertainties in the job market are causing hunger in formerly affluent Boston suburbs. One pantry serving suburban Boston, The Natick Service Council pantry saw a 43 percent increase over the past year.
But the demand at some local hunger-relief organizations has recently outweighed even that assistance. The Greater Boston Food Bank reported that the high cost of living and the uncertainties in the job market are causing hunger in formerly affluent Boston suburbs. One pantry serving suburban Boston, The Natick Service Council pantry saw a 43 percent increase over the past year.
“We're getting squeezed at both ends," Courtney Hunter-Melo, spokeswoman for Denver-based Food Bank of the Rockies, said. "In general, donations are down about 15 percent. Requests for food are up 30 to 60 percent."
The Michigan-based Food Bank of Oakland County is feeling the pinch. The organization, which provides food to 200 agencies at 300 sites throughout the county, is serving 20 percent more people through its member pantries, according to Executive Director Helen Hicks.
The Michigan-based Food Bank of Oakland County is feeling the pinch. The organization, which provides food to 200 agencies at 300 sites throughout the county, is serving 20 percent more people through its member pantries, according to Executive Director Helen Hicks.