FROM THE DIRECTOR |
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 President John F. Kennedy
once stated that the war against hunger is truly mankind’s war of liberation. While
we work to assist other areas of the globe as they struggle to liberate themselves from
the grip of hunger, we need to recognize that hunger is not just a distant problem. It is
a shocking reality for millions of children, adults, families, the elderly, the homeless,
and many others in the U.S. who never imagined they would be dependent on food banks,
pantries, shelters and school lunch programs.Recently, the problem of hunger in America has taken a sharp turn for the worse. The major downturn in the economy, subsequent massive lay-offs, and September 11 have all contributed to a significant increase in the number of Americans who are unable to feed their families. At the same time, there is less food surplus and charitable dollars to be had and supply simply cannot match this rapidly growing demand. America’s Second Harvest is the largest domestic hunger-relief agency in the United States. Through its network of over 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations supporting 50,000 relief agencies, 23 million Americans are fed each year, including 9 million children, in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. As the local affiliate of America’s Second Harvest, we know the need here in St. Louis has climbed and that there is simply not enough food on our shelves to aid local residents. America’s Second Harvest estimates that it needs an additional 365 million pounds of food – one million pounds per day – just to meet these new national demands of the last few months. Chances are you know someone who suffers from hunger daily. Your neighbor who lost her job, the family down the street enrolled in the school lunch program, the senior at church who lost most of his investment income in the plummeting stock market. These are just some of the many new faces of hunger in St. Louis and across America. Many of our clients must choose between food and paying the rent or buying medication. We need your help, and everyone can make a difference. On February 27th, America’s Second Harvest declared a national call to action in Washington, DC, and across the country to raise awareness of this issue and to generate significant new resources for food, funds, and volunteers. Here at home, you can help us meet this critical need by: While hunger may not be affecting you or your family personally, it is certainly affecting your community and our country. We urge you to join in the effort to feed hungry Americans now! Frank Finnegan [BIO] |
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A Million Pounds Per Day