FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
High Plains Food Bank Contact: Broc Carter @ 806.374.8562
NEW DATA SHOWS 73,000 RESIDENTS OF THE HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK ARE AT RISK OF HUNGER
High Plains Food Bank (June 10, 2013) — A new study finds that 72,960 people in the 29 counties – including 31,270 children – do not always know where they will find their next meal. In all, 15.2 percent of the population in the HPFB service area struggle with hunger, according to research released today by Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
"These numbers show that food insecurity remains very high in the Texas Panhandle and hunger is an issue that many individuals, families and children struggle with on a daily basis," said Zack Wilson, HPFB Executive Director.
The findings are from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” study, which estimates the rate of food insecurity for both the general population and, separately, for children under the age of 18. The estimates are calculated at both the county and congressional-district level for the entire U.S. High Plains Food Bank is part of the Feeding America network.
"This study shows that food insecurity is an urgent problem that remains and high and is growing in our rural communities," said Wilson.
"Food insecurity is one of the leading public health challenges in the United States,” said Dr. Craig Gundersen, Professor of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois, an international food insecurity expert and the lead researcher of the “Map the Meal Gap” study. “We undertook this research to demonstrate the extent and prevalence of foodinsecurity at both the county and congressional-district level. This data has the potential to redefine the way service providers and policy makers address food insecurity in the communities they serve.”
“We are particularly concerned about children who are under-nourished. A child who does not receive adequate nutrition may experience behavioral problems, have difficulty concentrating in school, and has an increased risk of medical problems. Lack of adequate nutrition in children, for even a brief period of time, may also cause permanent physical and developmental impairments,” Gundersen said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 50 million people nationwide are food insecure.
By analyzing household income levels, the study reveals that 73% of children at risk of hunger in the 29 county service area are eligible for federal nutrition programs, like free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast; but that 27% are not.
"Food insecurity cannot be solved by distribution of food and education alone. The answer lies within making food more accessible to Panhandle residents. HPFB is working through our mobile pantries to provide fresh food access in food deserts; advocating for improved food access in our rural areas; assisting in the application process those who qualify for SNAP and other assistance programs," said Wilson.
“Map the Meal Gap 2013” also shows:
· Here in The Panhandle, the cost of an average meal is$2.5.1
· Here in The Panhandle, the cost of a meal is $.94 lower than the national average of $2.67.
· The annual food budget shortfall in The Panhandle, meaning the amount of additional money that food-insecure individuals in the area said they would need to put enough food on the table for an adequate diet. The total number is $13.49
This is the third year that Feeding America has conducted the “Map the Meal Gap” study. The findings of "Map the Meal Gap" are based on statistics collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; food price data and analysis were provided by Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN), a global information and measurement company providing insights into what consumers watch and buy. The study was generously supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Nielsen and The ConAgra Foods Foundation.
Prior to the study’s first release in March 2011, food insecurity data was only available at the state level in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual report. The study further analyzes each county's food insecure population to determine their income eligibility for federal nutrition assistance, and also provides meal cost estimates for every county in the nation.
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The High Plains Food Bank is the Panhandle’s leading hunger relief organization, which secures and distributes more than 7 million pounds of donated food and grocery products annually and over 650,000 pounds monthly. The Food Bank distributes to approximately 165 charitable agencies and churches operating food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs and Kids Cafes throughout 29 counties of the Texas Panhandle. For more on the High Plains Food Bank please visit www.hpfb.org or follow us on Twitter: @hpfoodbank.
About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.