Downturn forces more in U.S. to rely on free food
By Joshuah at 8 June, 2008, 11:47 am
Via: Reuters
In the richest nation on earth, a rising number of people line up for free food because they are struggling to put meals on the table at home.Demand at food banks in the United States is up 15 percent to 20 percent over last year and many food banks are having difficulty coping, according to America’s Second Harvest, the largest U.S. food bank provider with 200 in its network.
Food bank networks procure nonperishable and fresh produce from suppliers, then stock it in warehouses before distributing it via a chain of community food banks across the country.
The total number of people who use them is not known but the upward trend is one sign of a U.S. economic downturn in which soaring fuel costs and the rising price of other basic goods have pushed many people on low incomes or without jobs into hardship.
The banks say more people with steady jobs are turning up at their centers to wait in line, fill out forms and collect rations of free or reduced-price food. In a parallel development demand for government food stamps is also rising.
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