Newsroom
USDA Releases Report on Hunger
Nov. 17, 2009
OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA) reported today that the number of Americans without dependable access to adequate food spiked last year to 49 million, including nearly 17 million children. This is the largest number since the government began keeping track. Among people of all ages, nearly 15 percent last year did not consistently have adequate food, compared with about 11 percent in 2007, the greatest deterioration in access to food during a single year in the history of the report.
"These are alarming numbers. It is tragic that so many people in Oklahoma don't have regular access to food," said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. "It is important to note that the USDA numbers reflect conditions in 2008. Since then, the economy has significantly weakened, and there are likely many more people struggling with hunger than this report states."
"We continue to work on the front lines feeding more than 63,000 people each week through area food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding centers – more than 450 agencies in total," said Bivens. "These organizations, many of which are grass root and faith-based centers operated solely by volunteers, serve as salvation for the thousands of Oklahomans who seek relief weekly to help feed themselves and their families. Emergency food assistance through the Regional Food Bank is a critical link in helping people through times of crisis."
Support in the fight against hunger in Oklahoma is vital now more than ever. Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation – ranking sixth in food insecurity. Donations are down 17 percent, while distribution is up 19 percent compared to the same time last year. To help address this need, Chesapeake Energy is matching donations to the Regional Food Bank dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, until the end of the year.
In an official statement, President Barack Obama said this was an "unsettling" report.
"My Administration is committed to reversing the trend of rising hunger," Obama said. "The first task is to restore job growth, which will help relieve the economic pressures that make it difficult for parents to put a square meal on the table each day. But we are also taking targeted steps to prevent Americans from experiencing hunger."
For every $1 donated, the Regional Food Bank can provide seven meals to Oklahomans in need. As a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks, the Regional Food Bank achieves more through partnership and efficiency of reach to make a real difference in the lives of hungry Oklahomans.
"National socio-economic indicators, including the escalating unemployment rate and the number of working-poor, lead us to believe that the number of people facing hunger will continue to rise significantly over the coming year," added Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Research on previous economic recessions indicates that people who fall into the grips of poverty in a time of recession often times never recover. Many of those people are likely to be in need of our services now or in the future."
