F A C T S H E E T

Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance Programs
January 2006

As we serve the population in need, we always look to sources that give us insight as to the causes and projections of hunger nationally and locally. The USDA's Economic Research Service has recently given us an update with 2004 figures on food insecurity with and without hunger.

Food insecurity is defined "as access to sufficient food limited by lack of money and other resources."

Food insecurity with hunger is defined "as one or more household members hungry at some time during the year from inability to afford enough food."

12% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2004.
1/3 of food insecure households experienced hunger.
2/3 of food insecure households coped by eating less varied diets, participating in food assistance programs, or getting food from food pantries or emergency kitchens.

Causes of hunger cited, in order of frequency:

Unemployment & other employment-related

High cost of housing

Poverty or lack of income

Medical or health problems

Substance abuse

Transportation, childcare, utility costs

During the month of January, we served:

1,738 Clients

1,184 Adults

552 Children

916 Households

Total Pounds Distributed: 21,387

Thank you for all you do to help feed the hungry in Sacramento County!