Hunger Awarness Month (Friday fact)

Millions of Americans everyday go hungry. They have no money to buy food for themselves or their families. These families include small children maybe even ones your children play with, your neighbors, and coworkers. It's a harsh reality most of us try to ignore.

In 2008, 55.0 percent of food-insecure households participated in at least one of the three major Federal food assistance programs – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program), The National School Lunch Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.  (cited from feedingamerica.org)

According to the USDA Household Food Security in the United States 2008 report, ten states exhibited statistically significant higher household food insecurity rates than the national average (12.2%):

1.        Mississippi              17.4%

2.        Texas                      16.3%

3.        Arkansas                 15.9%

4.        Georgia                   14.2%

5.        New Mexico           14.1%

6.        Missouri                  14.0%

7.        Oklahoma               14.0%

8.        Kansas                    13.8%

9.        Maine                     13.7%

10.     North Carolina        13.7%

(cited from feedingamerica.org)

So for hunger awareness I will be cleaning out my pantry this weekend and donating all the canned goods I will no not use and will be buying an extra something on all grocery trips to put in the harvesters can as I leave the store. (Remember small changes can make a huge difference)