Nation’s Food Banks Feel Pinch as Decrease in Donations Puts Strain on Ability to Feed More Than 35 Million Hungry Americans 

CHICAGO — America’s Second Harvest - The Nation’s Food Bank Network today issued a call for help asking Americans to donate funds, food or time to ensure none of their neighbors go hungry. Donations are down by 9 percent in 2006 and America’s Second Harvest’s Network of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations are feeling the pinch as they work to provide nutritious meals for the more than 35 million people in this country who don’t know where their next meal will come from.

“Our ability to provide meals for the millions of low-income Americans who count on us is completely dependant upon the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO, America’s Second Harvest. “A 9 percent decrease in donations is a significant hit to our Network, and we are asking Americans for their help. The food service agencies we support are a critical resource for millions of Americans and we never want to have to turn anyone away.”

According to a study released last month by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, are living on the brink of hunger in this country. Even scarier, a survey also released last month by Hormel Foods found 20 percent of American families have received food from a food bank, shelter or other charitable organization in the past year because of lack of money or food. Another 30 percent believed they will likely have to due to rising costs or other changes in circumstances.

“There is no such thing as a hunger-free community in the United States,” said Escarra. “Fortunately hunger is a solvable problem and there are many opportunities to get involved. From donating food, funds or time to shopping with partners such as the Consumer Club, Food Network and GiveandShop.com, we are asking Americans to please be a part of the solution this holiday season.”

Each year the America’s Second Harvest Network secures and distributes nearly two billion pounds of donated food and grocery products to approximately 50,000 charitable agencies in communities across the country. These agencies operate more than 94,000 feeding programs for low-income Americans including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, Kids Cafes and BackPack Programs. In 2005, the Network provided food assistance to more than 25 million low-income hungry people in the United States, including more than 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors.

Several retailers partner with America’s Second Harvest by donating a portion of their proceeds toward the Network’s hunger relief efforts, including Consumer Club, Food Network, GiveandShop.com, Redken, Pampered Chef, OrganicBouquet.com, VistaPrint, and Carrie Newcomer. To learn more about shopping with these partners, make a donation or find opportunities to combat hunger in your community, please visit http://www.secondharvest.org or call 800-771-2303.

—–

Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of America’s Second Harvest - The Nation’s Food Bank Network as well as staff, clients and volunteers are available for interview.

America’s Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the country with a Network of more than 200 Member food banks and food-rescue organizations serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The America’s Second Harvest Network secures and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually; and supports approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies operating more than 94,000 programs including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after- school programs and Kids Cafes. Last year, the America’s Second Harvest Network provided food assistance to more than 25 million low-income hungry people in the United States, including 9 million children and nearly 3 million seniors. For more on the America’s Second Harvest Network, please visit http://www.secondharvest.org.