Hunger 101
2010 Hunger Study
Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to capture the significant connection between the recent economic downturn and an increased need for emergency food assistance. The number of children and adults in need of food as a result of experiencing food insecurity has significantly increased.
In Planning District 16, which includes the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and the city of Fredericksburg. More than 40 in 100 client households are experiencing very low food security—or hunger—a 33 percent increase in the number of households compared to four years ago.
An estimated 3,000 people receive emergency food assistance each week from a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other agency served by the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.
Nationally, more than one in three client households are experiencing very low food security—or hunger—a 54 percent increase in the number of households compared to four years ago.
An estimated 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance each week from a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other agency served by one of Feeding America’s more than 200 food banks, including the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. This is a 27 percent increase over numbers reported in Hunger in America 2006, which reported that 4.5 million people were served each week.
Among the key findings in the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Food Bank report:
• 49% of the members of households served the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank are non-Hispanic white, 43% are non-Hispanic black, 4% are Hispanic, and the rest are from other racial groups
• 7% of the members of households are elderly.
• 53% of clients report having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel.
• 48% of households include at least one employed adult.
• 28.7% do not have access to health insurance.
• 58.2% have unpaid hospital or medical bills.
• 28.7% report they are currently receiving SNAP benefits.
The full national report is available on Feeding America's web site at Hunger in America 2010.