Hunger in Our Community

Nationwide, too many seniors, families and children face hunger every day. According to a recent study by Feeding America, 1 in 6 people in America are uncertain where their next meal will come from.

In our own communities in the Mahoning Valley, this ongoing struggle with hunger continues to increase, as unemployment in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties remains stubbornly high at over 9%. As a direct result of the continuing loss of good-paying jobs in the tri-county area, our pantries are seeing more individuals and families who were once stable and are now asking for help to put food on their tables.

Sadly, a study released by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) in August 2011 revealed that the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman area ranks #3 in child food hardship among the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas.

And according to the Ohio Department of Education, 49.9% of the children in the Mahoning Valley are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

From a study conducted of Feeding America Food Banks entitled Hunger 2010, the following are sobering statistics about people visiting church pantries and soup kitchens in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties:

• 35% of food recipients report having to choose between paying for food and paying for medication.
• 31% of food recipients report having to choose between paying for food and paying their rent / mortgage.
• 51% of food recipients report having to choose between paying for food and paying utility bills.