Hunger
The problem is not the lack of food, but limited access to the food which is available. Food Banks provide that access by linking people to food.
About Poverty
There are two different versions of the federal poverty measure: the poverty threshold and the poverty guideline. The poverty threshold is updated annually by the Census Bureau and used for statistical purposes.The poverty guidelines are issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and are used to determine if a person is eligible for a federal program, such as the National School Lunch Program or Food Stamps.
Food Insecurity
Food, especially wholesome food, is necessary for a happy and healthy life. The Department of Agriculture conducts a Food Insecurity Survey to determine what percent of American households have members who deal with food insecurity and food insecurity with hunger. Food insecurity without hunger indicates households who experienced multiple instances of having food access problems, but did not actually reduce their intake of food. Food insecurity with hunger indicates that someone in the family was forced to go without food due to lack of access to that food.
In America, over 12 million households were food insecure during 2002. 12.9% of Georgia's population was determined to be food insecure and 3.5% did suffer from hunger throughout the year.
The Need in Northeast Georgia
Approximately 513,000 people live in our 14 county service area.
17% (89,500) live in poverty
10% (25,000) are unemployed
55%of students are eligible for freereduced lunch
$44,500 is the median household income
For more information visit censtats
National Information
According to 2003 Census information, the official poverty rate rose from 12.1% in 2002 to 12.5% in 2003. This was in increase of more than one million people to make the total number of individuals in the United States who are living under the threshold of poverty to be 35.9 million. The number of Whites and Asians in poverty increased from 2002 to 2003, while the number of Hispanics and Blacks remained unchanged.
The number of children in poverty, as well as the percentage of children in poverty, over the past year increased as well, while other age groups did not change. There are 12.9 million children under 18 years of age living in poverty, an increase of .8 million children. The percent of children living in poverty rose from 16.7% to 17.6%. The percentage of senior citizens above the age of 65 years old remains at 10.2%
Hunger in America 2010 Information Released
The landmark study released on February 2, 2010 by Feeding America, the nations largest charitable hunger relief organization, shows that an unprecedented number of Americans are in need of emergency food assistance. "Hunger in America 2010" reports that nearly 1 in 8, or 37 million, Americans are receiving assistance through the Feeding America network.
More specifically, this report shows The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia provides emergency food assistance for an estimated 61,300 individuals annually. Approximately 40% of these individuals are under 18 years of age. Among households with children, 84% are food insecure and 24% are food insecure with very low food security. Read more about hunger in our community.
For questions, please contact John Becker, President & CPO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
How much do you really know about hunger in America? Take the quiz.
To learn more and find out what you can do to help click here.
Having food to eat shouldn't be on anyone's wishlist. The families that the Foodbank of Northeast Georgia serves wish they had better paying jobs that could pay the bills and put good, nutritious food on their tables. Seniors that we serve wish that their fixed income went far enough to buy both food and medication. Children just wish they had enough food to stop their stomachs.
Thank you for your commitment to helping The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia end hunger.
