Stopping America's hunger epidemic
Hunger has become an epidemic across the globe. It is in every aspect of society: urban, suburban and rural areas.
With February being National Canned Food Month, it's time to look at this crisis. Many Americans are one job loss or medical crisis away from starvation.
FeedingAmerica.org reports that 42 million people face hunger in the United States alone. Children make up 13 million of that figure, with five million seniors.
In studies done in 2014 and 2015, it was shown that 14.5 million children in the U.S. live in poverty and 44 percent of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants were under the age of 18. The studies also showed that 2.9 million households with seniors age 65 and older experience food insecurities.
Rural areas also take a hit with food insecurities. More than 7.4 million Americans living in rural areas live the below the federal poverty line of $11,770 for a one-person household. And 47 percent of single moms in rural areas are living in poverty.
The Feeding America Network provides more than 3.6 billion meals throughout the United States, specifically in the five states that have the highest food-insecurity rates for children: Mississippi, New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama and Arkansas.
Military families have high rates of food insecurities as well. Nearly 25 percent nationwide -- a total of 620,000 military households -- need help putting food on the table. Many Americans have to decide whether they will put food on the table or pay for utilities, rent and medicine.
"Children are going to school, not looking forward to learning but looking forward to eating," said Shamia Holloway, spokeswomen for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Ohio has 576 registered food banks. Guernsey County has five listed food banks in the area: Feed My People (740-4339-4214), United Way (740-439-2667), Salvation Army (740-432-7759), Christ's Lutheran Church (740-432-6036) and the Guernsey County Senior Center (740-4432-3838) provide food on a regular basis.
Now is the perfect time to get involved. Canned foods offer a nutritious and convenient, sustainable food source. Volunteering is also a good way to help end hunger. Most food banks will agree, however, that the best way to support access to food is through a financial donation. When a donation is made, food banks are able to buy in bulk at deeply discounted rates through organizations such as the Ohio Food Bank.