Hunger in America 2010 Eastern Wisconsin

Employment is the main income for 31% households served

Each year over 105,000 children receive food from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

A comprehensive research study released February 2, 2010 by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, reports that more than 329,000 people, including 105,000 children, receive emergency food from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin programs.  The findings in Hunger in America 2010 represent a 40 percent increase since the Hunger in America 2006 report.

Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to capture the significant connection between the recent economic downturn and an increased need for emergency food assistance.  In eastern Wisconsin, 69% of client households are experiencing very low food security—or lack of access to nutritious food.  As a result, 69% of food pantries, 57 % of soup kitchens and 64% of shelters are reporting increased food distribution.   

“With the unemployment rate nearly double what it was four years ago, it’s no surprise that people are turning to pantries and soup kitchens to supplement their food.  The economy has taken quite a toll on families and individuals who now need help with one of life’s most basic needs – food,” said Bonnie Bellehumeur, president of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.  

Among the key findings in the report for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin: 

• 54% of adults have missed or cut back on meals in the past year because they didn’t have enough money to buy food.
• 10% of clients relying of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin for food are senior citizens 65 or older.
• 41% of households had to choose between paying for their heat or utilities and buying food.
• 37% of households have at least one working adult.
• 65% of households with school-age children participate in the federal school lunch program.
• 41% of households receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., a leading policy research firm, in partnership with Feeding America, conducted the research and compiled the data for Hunger in America 2010.  The data is based on individual client interviews and agency surveys. 

Read a snapshot of the study here.

Read the Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin press release for more information.

For more detailed statistics, click here.

Wisconsin State Numbers

573,800 people in Wisconsin rely on Feeding America food banks for food each year and 37% of those people are children under the age of 18 and 7% are senior citizens.  For more detailed state statistics, click here.

Read the statewide Hunger in America 2010 press release.