September 9, 2015
New report illustrates Missouri’s continuing struggle with hunger
State among leaders in ‘very low food security’
Columbia, Mo. – A new report issued by the federal government shows that Missouri ranks second in the nation in ‘very low food security.’ That is defined as “multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.” This category represents those who struggle the most with hunger.
The report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds that 7.9% of Missourians fall into the very low food security category, which ranks only behind Arkansas at 8.1%. Missouri has an overall food insecurity rate of 16.8%, which is tied for seventh highest in the nation.
“Hunger continues to be one of the most silent and unnoticed problems plaguing our neighbors,” said Scott Baker, state director of Feeding Missouri. “Many people just cannot understand that hunger is real in Missouri, but these numbers confirm the reality. Especially troubling is our persistently high rate of those dealing with very low food security. These are the people actually missing meals every day. It’s happening today in Missouri and it’s happening more here than almost anywhere else in the nation.”
Food banks in Missouri continue to be stretched in their response to the hunger problem. According to the most recent “Hunger in America” report for Missouri, nearly 60% of partner food programs in the state reported an increase in the volume of clients being served. Last year, Missouri’s food banks distributed over 122 million pounds of food to a network of nearly 1,500 pantries, shelters, and kitchens.
“Hunger will continue to be prevalent in Missouri until we all recognize its existence and take deliberate, coordinated steps to address it. Hoping it eventually goes away or waiting for someone else to help isn’t working. With each passing day, more of our neighbors are going without food. I think we can all agree that shouldn’t be happening in Missouri in 2015,” Baker said.
The entire report can be found here.
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About Feeding Missouri
Feeding Missouri is a coalition of the six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to every county (and St. Louis City) in the state.
If you would like to schedule a Feeding Missouri representative for a media interview, or you would like more information about this topic, please contact Monica Palmer at 573.673.1422 or email at Monica@FeedingMissouri.org.