The study released today from Feeding America reports that more than 37 million people in America receive emergency food each year through the nation’s network of food banks and the agencies we serve. The findings represent a staggering 46 percent increase since the 2006 study.

While it’s no secret that the economy has taken its toll on the country and on our neighbors, it’s staggering to consider that that in the Second Harvest Heartland service area alone, hunger has doubled. Twice as many people in our community are visiting food shelves and soup kitchens than they were just five years ago.

Key takeaways:

• Households served annually through SHH in 2005 equaled 224,200; the number now totals 468,000.
• 40 percent of households served each year have at least one child under the age of 18.
• While we primarily serve the working poor, this study demonstrates the devastating impact of the weakening economy, which over the past two years has left more Americans without work, without homes and without food. Only 36 percent of households we serve now have at least one employed adult (168,480), a 12 percent decrease.

We are committed to finding innovative ways of securing more food and increasing participation in existing and funded food assistance and nutrition programs, and will leave no stone unturned as we strive to put an end to hunger in our community.

Looking for a way to help? By supporting our neighbors in need, you’re supporting the community at large. With each $10 gift to Second Harvest Heartland, we can provide a month’s worth of meals to a family of four. Make a gift now >>

All of us at Second Harvest Heartland are deeply saddened by the passing of the Rev. Dick Goebel. As the founder of what is today Second Harvest Heartland, Dick had a tremendous impact on hunger relief in our community—both in terms of getting food to those in need and inspiring others to join in the fight to end hunger. Dick’s heartfelt enthusiasm, tremendous vision, boundless compassion, and respect for others will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick’s family at this difficult time.

Rob Zeaske
Executive Director
Second Harvest Heartland

Rev. Dick Goebel passed away Sunday, December 20, at age 73. Dick founded the Greater St. Paul Second Harvest Food Bank in 1982 and remained its executive director until his retirement in 2001. Dick contributed to the creation of the Second Harvest Greater Minneapolis Food Bank, which later merged with the St. Paul Food Bank to become Second Harvest Heartland. His dedicated service left a lasting legacy, and his memory is cherished by everyone at Second Harvest Heartland and in the greater hunger relief community.