Sunday, September 7, 2008

Nation

More Hungry Americans Turn to Food Banks for Help

Posted May 2, 2008

The combination of a struggling economy and sharply rising food prices is forcing more people to seek emergency help from the nation's food banks, which serve mainly the poor and elderly. America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network on Friday reported the results of a new survey that found demand was up at the 49 food banks it surveyed around the country. The increase is estimated at 15 to 20 percent.

Testifying at a special hearing of Congress's Joint Economic Committee yesterday, America's Second Harvest supported the pending farm bill and requested an immediate $100 million in emergency funding to help meet the increased needs brought on by the current food crisis.

Many of the food banks reported they are now unable to adequately meet the increased demand, and some are starting to reduce the amount and variety of food they distribute. "The America's Second Harvest Network and food service organizations nationwide have been absolutely overwhelmed by demand," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of America's Second Harvest. "Supply is not keeping up with demand and we must do something quickly to meet the needs of the more than 35 million struggling Americans trying to make ends meet and feed themselves and their families."

Reader Comments

our government

It is ashame our government would rather spend many milions on getting into office and putting money in their own spending account giving theirself yearly raises and expanding their wine and dine accounts rather then making sure all the people are treated equal as this country was ment to be when our forefathers started it in the begining of this country

hard times

Shame on Bush!

It is truly sad to even hear that being the world's richest country, American citizens are turning for help getting "food" on their stomach. And yet this country is spending trillions of tax dollars on a war that should not have been authorized in the first place. Shame on Mr Bush (rated the worst in the history of us president in a recent survey) and his supporters.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

Washington Whispers

Washington Whispers

Smoking Out Ciggies in Movies

The movie ratings system, which turns 40 this year, is going after smoking on the silver screen.

advertisement

Michael Barone

Michael Barone

How McCain is Distancing Himself from Bush

McCain and Palin should focus on two themes: their maverick status and energy independence.

Ken Walsh on the Presidency

Ken Walsh (Charlie Archambault for USN&WR)

Having covered the White House for U.S. News full time since 1986, Ken Walsh brings perspective and insight to his magazine column.

advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for the latest headlines from U.S. News & World Report delivered to you free.

RSS FEEDS

Personalize your U.S. News with our feeds of blogs and breaking news headlines.

U.S. NEWS MOBILE

U.S. News daily briefings are also available on your mobile device.

WIDGETS

Embed exclusive U.S. News headlines, rankings, columns, and blog postings to your Web site, blog, or social network.

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.