The right to food - all year long

Written by Alicia Huguelet, director of public policy, with the Greater Chicago Food Depository in Chicago, IL.

The statistics are overwhelming. The latest numbers from the USDA indicate that more than 36.2 million Americans are food insecure and 12.4 million of these individuals facing hunger are children. Even more grave is the fact that this data was collected in December 2007, before the economic crisis truly hit home.

At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we have seen a 33 percent increase in the number of individuals coming to our member food pantries. Nearly every pantry is telling us that they are seeing an influx of first-time clients – many of whom have recently lost their jobs. The other members of Feeding America and the Illinois Food Bank Association are seeing similar situations in their communities – whether rural, urban or suburban.

It’s easy to lose hope. But instead we must focus on what can be done to ensure that the basic human right to food is upheld for all.

What can our elected officials do? Our leaders on Capitol Hill can pass an economic stimulus package that helps struggling families – which includes providing additional food assistance resources. Congress will also have the opportunity to significantly improve access to vital child nutrition programs like the Summer Food Service Program and the School Breakfast Program in 2009. Our state leaders can support the Food for Families program, which supplies quality, nutritious food to food banks and their community partners.

You may find yourself thinking…but what can one person do to help the growing number of families who are struggling to put a meal on their table? Actually – there’s a lot that one person can do. Donate a can of food. Volunteer at your community food pantry. Give to your local food bank – every dollar makes a difference.

Here’s the challenge, though. During the holiday season, our community generously turns its full attention to the needs of hungry men, women, and children. This outpouring of support and kindness makes all we do possible. Yet, there is hunger on the streets of Chicago, in the farm towns of central Illinois, and even in affluent suburbs, seven days a week, 365 days a year. So during this holiday season, please make a note on your calendar or in your BlackBerry to volunteer at the food bank in January or to host a food drive in July. Your community will thank you for it.