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Among those needing it, 51% were in families, 26% were employed, 19% were elderly, and 11% homeless. Causes cited included unemployment, poverty, low wages, and high housing costs.
Cities reported an average 10% increase in the amount of food distributed. Over 70% of them reported emergency food purchase budget increases. Nonetheless, 27% of people needing it didn't get it. Demand's fast outstripping supply and/or the willingness of cities to help during hard times.
Under tight budget conditions, 86% of emergency kitchens and food pantries reduced the quantity of food distributed per visit to accommodate larger numbers. Moreover, demand is so heavy that people are now turned away.
No city surveyed expects emergency requests to decline next year. Nearly all, in fact, expect increases given dire economic conditions.
At the same time, 75% of cities expect emergency resource decreases next year. Over 40% said they'll be substantial.
"The combination of increasing demand and decreasing resources was cited most frequently....as the biggest challenge (ahead) in addressing hunger...."
Of major concern is less federal help and declining food donations. High unemployment and dire economic conditions are taking a terrible toll.
In the past year, homelessness increased overall by 6%. Among families, however, it rose 16%. For unaccompanied individuals, it grew 1%. Among households with children, unemployment contributed most to homelessness.
Cities also reported 26% of homeless adults "were severely mentally ill," another 16% physically disabled, 15% employed, 13% victimized by domestic violence, 13% veterans, and 4% HIV positive.
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