Hunger in Washington
According to the Hungry in Washington 2010 report released by the Children’s Alliance, the recent economic downturn has had a devastating effect on the lives of many families and individuals in poverty.
The sudden loss of a job, unforeseen medical problems and other problems can quickly erode a seemingly stable situation. Tragically, people who had been playing by the rules, working full time and raising their families can suddenly find themselves reeling.
The numbers 27 and 36 are key indicators of just how dramatic the impact has been:
- 27% represents increase in the number of households in Washington State that experienced food insecurity, or have a concern that there will not be enough food for everyone in the household.
- 36% represents the increase in the rate of hunger in Washington State from last year.
At food banks and meal programs across the state, stories of dramatic increases in the number of services needed have become commonplace. Indeed, many food banks report that they are now seeing former volunteers and donors who are no longer able to make ends meet.
The need for help is at a record high – please join RFH in providing healthy produce to our food bank partners across Washington.
