Hunger in Michigan Created by: Melissa Moser and Leyna Dussel

Hunger Words Food Security: Access to enough food at all times for a healthy active life. At a minimum, food security includes the ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. Food Insecurity: Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire foods in socially acceptable ways. Food Insecurity with Hunger: The uneasy or painful sensation caused by a recurrent or involuntary lack of food.

Did you know...

In the last 50 years, almost 400 million people have died from hunger and poor sanitation... That’s three times the number of people killed in all wars fought in the entire 20th century. --Bread for the World Institute

In the United States... Thirty-one million people live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. Over twelve million children experience hunger or the risk of hunger. One in ten households are food insecure. Twenty three million Americans(including 9 million children) sought emergency food assistance from America's Second Harvest in 2001.

In Michigan... 10% of the population (almost 1 million people) live in poverty More than 744,000 different people use the Food Bank Network to access Emergency Food in a year (this is over 227,000 per week) One of every thirteen people in Michigan will need emergency food this year.

Contributing Factors... The Bigger Picture Food Production Food Loss Obstacles to Accessing Food Other Factors

Food Production in Michigan In 1994 the U.S. food supply produced enough food to supply every American with more than 150% of their daily needs. Michigan leads the nation in the production of 10 crops and ranks fifth or higher in 32 crop categories.

Food Loss in Michigan 96 billion pounds (27%) of edible food are wasted every year in the United States. Michigan exported nearly one-third of its food commodities and products, with sales totaling approximately $776 million.

Obstacles to Accessing Food Lack of transportation Insufficient number of grocery stores Difficulties accessing emergency food Special dietary requirements (especially for seniors) Fat and sugars cost less Lack of culturally appropriate food

Don’t forget about... Low wage jobs with little job security Lack of affordable housing High cost of living Agriculture prices that don’t support farmers Physical and mental health concerns Substance abuse Domestic violence

What’s Being Done?

Food Distribution Food Banks On-Site Meals Program Community Gardens Local Community Organizations

Food banks in Michigan serve over 75 million pounds of food a year. 20% of Michigan families leaving welfare report using foods banks, 41% said they eat less and 14% said their children eat less because of lack of money.

Federal Food Safety Net The Food Stamp Program (FSP) The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) The Food Stamp Program is our nation’s number one defense against hunger. In 2000, it served 17.2 million people a month and cost $17.1 billion. Only 1/3 of eligible Seniors participate in the FSP. It takes an average of five hours and two office visits to apply for food stamps.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) In 1990, TEFAP changed from the TEMPORARY emergency food program to THE emergency food program, which indicates a shift in emergency food from temporary assistance to families in crisis to a permanent role in meeting the food need of low-income people. On a monthly basis TEFAP serves over 142,000 food bank clients.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) CSFP serves low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to the age six, and seniors 60 years and older by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods.

1 out of 3 children in Michigan are eligible for a free or reduced-price meal.

Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) The five Child Nutrition Programs funded by the USDA reimburse school districts and non-profit organizations for nutritious meals and snacks served to low-income communities. In Michigan, 32.15% of kids are eligible for the National School Lunch Program.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead