New Statistics Reveal the Growing Problem of Food Insecurity in America

The Washington Post published an article with newly-released reports from the USDA revealing statistics about food insecurity that confirm what Martha's Table has been noticing - longer lines at food pantry days, more people coming to Martha's Table for emergency food, and longer lines for our McKenna's Wagon mobile soup kitchen.

According to the Washington Post article (found here): "The data show that dependable access to adequate food has especially deteriorated among families with children. In 2008, nearly 17 million children, or 22.5 percent, lived in households in which food at times was scarce -- 4 million children more than the year before. And the number of youngsters who sometimes were outright hungry rose from nearly 700,000 to almost 1.1 million."

The report also stressed a particular struggle for single mothers. Over one in three women raising children alone confirmed that they struggled for food, and more than one out of seven expressed concern that someone in their home had been hungry, dramatically larger than in any other type of household.

These reports reaffirm the need for Martha's Table's programs - both the Food Programs and the Children's Programs, as we provide consistent, nutritious, well-balanced meals to approximately 300 children Monday through Friday in addition to the 1200 sandwiches, 65 gallons of soup and desserts that go out nightly in McKenna's Wagon, our mobile soup kitchen. We have so far met the increased demand with help from the community - through large and small food drives and individual donors. Thank you for helping us in our fight against hunger!