Faith groups have long received government grants to feed the hungry, respond to disasters, and assist those in need — but recent comments from Trump administration officials have cast such grants in a bad light.
The inflation that has loomed over the economy and restricted many Americans’ purchasing power of late has doubly affected low-income people who already struggle to get by. A recent survey by Feeding America has shown that increased demand has affected nearly 80% of U.S. food
Data collected through the National Congregations Study – a nationally representative survey of congregations – indicates that in 2018, 48% of U.S. congregations either had their own food-distribution program or supported efforts run by another organization, such as a food bank or food pantry.
As the number of laid-off workers and hungry Americans continues to rise, even as farmers are having trouble marketing their crops, the ancient practice of gleaning is having a moment — fueled in part by faith communities.
As many Americans stock up on weeks of provisions, food pantries, food banks and soup kitchens are figuring out how to get hungry Americans the food they need quickly and safely.
The good news: Food insecurity in the U.S. declined in 2018 to pre-recession (2007) levels. The bad news: 11.1% of households (14.3 million) remained food insecure -- 13.9% among U.S. households with children.