Local Hunger Overview

Hunger - A Community Crisis

Hunger is a community crisis on the Central Coast. The rise in the cost of housing and other expenses in this area is making it increasingly difficult for low-income residents to make ends meet. Faced with difficult choices between paying for either food, rent, utilities or medicine, many limit their food purchases. Consequently they experience periods of hunger and food insecurity or purchase cheaper, lower quality foods that increase the risks of malnutrition and obesity.

Understanding the Problem of Hunger Locally

To better understand the challenges faced by our hungry neighbors and the agencies that serve them, Second Harvest participated in the 2006 America’s Second Harvest Hunger Study. We interviewed 296 clients of pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Here are some of the local findings:

• Despite growth in food bank services, hunger and insecurity have increased since 2001.
• The number of households that reported adults or children skipped meals or experienced hunger has tripled.
• 70% of those served by Second Harvest are below the federal poverty level.
• 1 in 3 households had a monthly income of under $500 a month.
• 39% of those we serve are children.
• 41% of the households served have at least one working adult.

To connect with a PDF version of the complete local hunger study, Hunger: A Community Crisis Click here.

Be a Part of the Solution

Helping to alleviate hunger is as easy as your donation. Giving time or money can transform the lives of so many neighbors and friends in our community. Do your part today.