In a country as prosperous as the United States, it may come as a surprise to learn many of our neighbors are hungry. One in six Americans does not have access to enough food. According to Feeding America, only 10 percent of client households were homeless and 36 percent served by the Feeding America network had at least one working adult. While we may believe that government programs take care of those in need, it’s important to note that 16 million children are living in food-insecure households. School lunch programs help but they don’t solve the problem.
It’s not just a matter of working harder, friends. As research shows, more than one-third of those receiving assistance had at least one family member with a job. This issue is affecting our children. Research shows that food insecurity and hunger are serious threats to children’s health, growth and development. It also affects the elderly in large numbers.
Many factors must be considered, including whether we are voting for people who support policies that provide a fair playing field for people.
There are many ways to fight hunger. One way is to volunteer at your local food bank. Another is for your congregation to grow a garden and share the produce with a local food bank. For assistance in finding a food bank near you, use this Food Bank Locator.
We at FaithFoodHealth would like to hear of what you, your congregation or other organization is doing to feed the hungry. E-mail us at [email protected].