Yet More Facts...

America's Second Harvest Food Bank Local Impact Survey

America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network conducted a survey of its food banks April 28 through May 2, 2008 to assess challenges facing the nation’s charitable distribution system due to weakening economic conditions.

180 food banks provided estimates, based on feedback they have been receiving from their partner agencies (including food pantries and soup kitchens) about increases in the number of people in need of emergency food assistance, the ability of food banks to secure sufficient resources to meet the needs of hungry people in their communities and the ability of their agencies to meet the strong demand for food.

* 99% (98.89%) of food bank respondents stated that they have experienced an increase in the number of clients served within the past year. Food banks cite as contributing factors:
o 92.78% the rising cost of fuel
o 91.67% the rising cost of food
o 46.11% mortgage or rent issues
o 43.33% rising unemployment
o 42.22% rising underemployment
o 31.11% the inadequacy of food stamps

* The increase in the number of clients is estimated at 15% to 20%.

* 81.11% of surveyed food banks have indicated that they are currently unable to adequately meet the demand without having to reduce the amount of food or their operations.
o 54.79% stated that their agencies already have or are considering reducing the amount of food offered to clients.
o 48.63% of these food banks already have or are considering reducing the variety of food offered to agencies.
o 45.21% of these food banks responded that they already have or are considering diverting budgeted funds from other areas to purchase food.
o 43.84% of these food banks stated that they already have or are considering reducing the amount of food offered to agencies in order to meet demand.
o 27.4% of these food banks responded that some of their agencies already have or are considering reducing the number of new households they will serve.
o 13.7% of these food banks responded that they already have or are considering reducing or suspending programs and services offered.

TYPES OF FOOD NEEDED AT FOOD BANKS

Think what kinds of healthy foods you like to eat and that's just the kind of donations needed. They accept food donations of any kind from non-perishable items to fresh and frozen foods. However, what they need most are protein items, those "center-of-the-plate" foods such as:

Beans, Rice, Pasta
Canned tuna, meats, chicken
Soups and Stews
Peanut Butter
Macaroni & Cheese
Cereal
100% Fruit Juice

No homemade food or glass containers, please.

Please donate.