Hunger in America

A recent study released by Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana (GNOA) and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, reports that more than 262,800 people, including 82,000 children and 40,000 seniors, receive emergency food assistance each year through Second Harvest Food Bank and its 235 faith-based and nonprofit member agencies. Second Harvest Food Bank reaches approximately one half of the population in poverty in the 23 south Louisiana parishes it serves, stretching from the Mississippi border to the Texas state line.

Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to document the significant connection between the recent economic downturn and an increased need for emergency food assistance. The number of children and adults in need of food and experiencing food insecurity has increased significantly nationwide. For Second Harvest Food Bank GNOA, Hunger in America provides a snapshot of the connection between economic uncertainty and food insecurity in south Louisiana in 2010.

Read the press release and a summary of the study.