Why Should You Walk?

National and Statewide Hunger Facts

- 10.9% of Americans live in hungry or food-insecure households.

- Households with children have almost double the rate of food insecurity compared to those without (16% vs. 9%).

- 35.5 million people, including 12.6 million children, live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. This represents more than one in ten households in the United States (10.9 percent).

- 4.0 percent of U.S. households experience hunger. Some people in these households frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for a whole day. 11.1 million people, including 430 thousand children, live in these homes.

- 6.9 percent of U.S. households are at risk of hunger. Members of these households have lower quality diets or must resort to seeking emergency food because they cannot always afford the food they need. 24.4 million people, including 12.2 million children, live in these homes.

Research shows that preschool and school-aged children who experience severe hunger have higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety and depression, and behavior problems than children with no hunger.

Pierce County Hunger Facts

More than 140,000 children, seniors and adults seek help finding food in Pierce County. Of these individuals:

  • 52% are children and seniors (38% children under 19, 14% individuals over 55)

  • 98% fall below the national poverty line

  • Almost half are families with at least one adult working

During 2008 there were a total of 844,551 visits to Food banks and 833,230 visits to Hot Meal Sites in Pierce County.

How you can help!

Plan to participate in the Associated Ministries Pierce County Hunger Walk on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at First Christian Church, located at 6th Ave. & Orchard in Tacoma. This past year more than 1,200 walkers and volunteers raised more than $240,000 in pledges and sponsorship monies to support hunger relief efforts. Local efforts are coordinated through the Emergency Food Network.

Donate Now Online!

Emergency Food Network 2008 Outcomes:

  • Distributed $15.7 million worth of food and other essentials to the 70 feeding programs it serves through the Distribution Center in Lakewood

  • Harvested more than 149,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables at the 8-acre organic Mother Earth Farm in Orting.

  • Produced more than 20,000 cans through its Cannery Project in Kent

  • Repackaged 219,222 pounds of frozen product through its Repack Project.

  • Accomplished all of the above with a staff of eleven, a dedicated corps of more than 1,700 volunteers, and a low administrative and fundraising overhead of 3.7%

For information call (253) 383-3056
or email hunger@associatedministries.org

Where Can Your Dollars Go?

For every dollar donated, EFN is able to distribute $12 worth of food to the 70 feeding programs it serves. Here’s a sample of what your dollars can do:

  • $1,000 provides over one year's worth of food for a family of four

  • $500 provides 2,500 meals for children during the summer when school lunches are unavailable

  • $250 provides thirteen cases of Ensure for seniors, those with long-term illnesses, and those with special dietary needs

  • $100 allows for an infant in need to have two months of baby formula

  • $50 provides three weeks worth of food for a family of four

  • $25 provides 125 meals for children during the summer when school lunches are unavailable

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