Facts About Hunger

The USDA’s November 2010 Hunger Report shows that 6.6% of Oregon households went hungry sometime in the past year, and approximately 14% of households were food insecure (individuals or families uncertain about whether they would be able to afford to purchase nutritional food.)¹

Last year the Oregon Food Bank distributed 917,000 emergency food boxes to hungry families; 38% of these recipients were children. It has been demonstrated that poor nutrition places the hungry at risk for a variety of illnesses.²

The concept of redistributing food remains a simple yet powerful weapon in the fight against hunger.

Facts About Food Waste

Currently, Americans generate more than 34 million tons of food waste each year. This wasted food creates not only a huge economic impact, but an environmental one. When food is thrown in landfills, it quickly becomes a significant source of methane — a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.³

Sources:
1. Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon (News Release)
2. Oregon Food Bank
3. EPA Report on Food Waste