Over the past couple weeks here on Moyers and Company, we’ve had several guests visit the program to talk about the impact of increasing poverty in America, and the shrinking government programs that serve the poor. Feeding America is a nonprofit organization that, in the past five years, has stepped up their efforts to get food to people below or close to the poverty line. One in eight Americans now rely on Feeding America for food and groceries.
According to a study released last August, 29 percent of Americans are dealing with “food insecurity” — struggling to put food on the table — despite having family incomes that are above the poverty line. These families typically don’t qualify for food stamps, child nutrition or WIC programs and fall into a gap in the system. Through its network of 200 food banks, Feeding America provides more the 3 billion pounds of food and grocery products annually.
You can get involved in the fight against hunger by volunteering at your local food pantry, donating food or money and alerting local politicians to the issue.
Essential Links
Learn more about the state of hunger in America and watch video interviews with people struggling to make ends meet at the Hunger Facts page on the Feeding America website.
Use the Map the Meal Gap interactive map to find out how many people are dealing with food insecurity in your community.
Coordinate a food drive at your local food bank or launch a virtual food drive online.
If you need help, find out whether you qualify for government programs or food pantries.
