Number of people needing emergency food assistance up substantially in Washtenaw County
The need for food assistance in Washtenaw County has increased dramatically in recent years, with the use of emergency food jumping 138 percent since 2006, Food Gatherers announced today.
According to the Hunger in America 2010 study, the percent increase represents nearly 44,000 new people who have needed emergency food assistance, up from 18,426 in 2005. The study was conducted for the national food-relief organization Feeding America by Mathematica Policy Research Inc.
The study is based on data collected in the county between January and March 2005, and February and April 2009. It estimates about 6,900 people received emergency food assistance of some kind in Washtenaw County every week, up 73 percent from about 4,000 in 2005.Â
In comparison, the national use of emergency food resources in the U.S. was up 27 percent in that time.
The study is part of a much broader and more comprehensive national study examining hunger in the United States and the connection between the economic downturn and food need.
Considering what's happened with the economy at the state and national level, the local increase of emergency food use in Washtenaw County isn't surprising, said Eileen Spring, president and chief executive officer of Food Gatherers.
But the sheer amount that need has increased in the county compared to the national average is notable, Spring said.Â
"Our capacity has increased to address it," Spring said. "Since our last report, our distribution has gone up 62 percent. But obviously, we have more work to do."
The report also found senior citizens were at particular risk with the percent of senior households facing very low security more than doubling between 2005 and 2009 - from 7 percent to 15 percent.
In addition, about 2 in 5 client households indicated they've had to choose between paying rent or mortgage and food. About 25 percent of client households have at least one working adult, compared to 41 percent in 2006.
"What we are hearing from pantries themselves is they've seen about a 30 percent increase and many of the people ask for help have never had to do so before," said Debbie Jackson, director of community investment at the United Way of Washtenaw County. The numbers support the importance of the United Way continuing its support for Food Gatherers, she said.
According to the Food Gatherers 2009 Food Security Plan, Food Gatherers' food budget has risen 200 percent in recent years to accommodate need. In the report, 85 percent of responding households that use county food pantries indicated they earn $500 or less per month, and three-quarters said they regularly used a food pantry.
The results of the new report are likely indicative of additional challenges, Jackson said.
"It likely means there are other issue a family is struggling financially with and food is one of the first ways they are receiving help."
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
amy small
Fri, Feb 5, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.
I have such a tremendous amount of appreciation for all the volunteers and local businesses that help Food Gatherers and all the other local agencies address this urgent and growing need! They have always made me proud to live in and be a part of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti communities. I hope that we will continue to come together to insure that our neighbors don't have to make the heartbreaking choices many face right now.
misti3k
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 9:09 p.m.
Right on, annarbormommy! I realize that the news cycle these days is very short and the information flow is constant, but it's unfortunate to see this story buried so quickly. We are looking at an increase that is nearly triple the national average! I'm only 26, but I've lived in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti my entire life and, while I wouldn't have guessed such a marked increase, I have seen more and more evidence of the growing problems of hunger and poverty. Whether it's longer lines at pantries or more beggars around town, it's hard to miss. Let's all do what we can do help!
Margie
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.
Hoping that as many community members as possible will help in some way, year round, to fight hunger where we live.
Mary Schlitt
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.
While there is much work to be done, we are also grateful to our community for the tremendous effort put forth last year to raise more food and funds through events like Grillin' and Rockin' for the Hungry, and countless other community-led initiatives.
Tina Reed
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.
You are right about the importance of the issue locally. In an ongoing series, reporter David Jesse and I have been looking at the growing number of people in our community struggling to provide the most basic resources for their families, including food. Here's a link to the series: http://www.annarbor.com/news/hiddenpoor/ We are continuing this series and our next installment is planned to look at housing and the challenges many people in our community have at providing or holding on to this important resource.
annarbormommy
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
This is such an important issue in our community. There's a perception that this area is insulated from the economic downturn, but this national data shows that the need for food assistance has increased A LOT. With a 27% increase nationally, but a 73% increase locally, this issue should be at the top of the news. This issue should be a priority! I can't believe that this is not more important than "I can't bring my dog to the bookstore anymore". Come on, Ann Arbor (and beyond)!
Tina Reed
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.
Thanks for the suggestions. The organizations quoted above (FoodGatherers (http://www.foodgatherers.org/) and the United Way of Washtenaw County (http://www.uwwashtenaw.org/)) are among local organizations that accept donations and have programs geared toward helping Washtenaw County residents get food. Check out a list of local resources on our Web site that offers suggestions about where those who are struggling to find basic resources can go for help (http://www.annarbor.com/news/resources-where-to-go-for-help-in-the-ann-arbor-area/). For those who are interested, this might also offer some good ideas about local organizations to support.
ypsilantimpr
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
what a sad state of affairs, it makes me appreciate what i have. it is hard to imagine having to chose between eating and keeping a roof over my head, but more and more people are having to make that choice every day.
John Reed
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.
Thank you AnnArbor.com for sharing with your readers this information about the work we are doing at Food Gatherers.
Marti Lachapell
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 12:32 p.m.
What important information this study has provided - it puts data behind the increased demand Food Gatherers is working to address.
eileen spring
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
To learn how you can donate your time, money, or food please visit www.foodgatherers.org. You can also volunteer and donate to one of the 150 community agencies served by Food Gatherers and can find a list on our website. Please support and thank the local food businesses who regularly donate to Food Gatherers. This spring, consider growing some vegetables to share with your neighbors in need.
TrappedinMI
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 11:39 a.m.
Yes, please, how to help???
kdadnick
Wed, Feb 3, 2010 : 6:51 a.m.
Perhaps this article may have been complete with a recommendation or two for how to help.?