Hunger in the DC Metro Area >

There are many contributing factors to hunger.  One of the primary root causes of hunger is the lack of adequate economic resources.  When there is not enough money to cover all household expenses, food is often eliminated.  The working poor, children, families and senior citizens are those who suffer the most. 

POVERTY

The Capital Area Food Bank defines poverty based upon 185 percent of the federal government poverty guidelines.  This means that a household may earn up to 185 percent of the U.S. government's standard of poverty and still be considered "in poverty."  This measure is utilized by the federal government to determine eligibility for many government programs.

• In Washington, D.C. one-third of the residents live below 185 percent of poverty. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000)
• One-half of the children in D.C. public schools live below 185 percent of poverty, qualifying for free or reduced price school meals. (2002 SAIPE and D.C. Public School data)
• The federal poverty guideline for a family of four is $18,850.  (Federal Register, vol. 69, No. 30, 2/13/2004) 185 percent of poverty is $34,872.  Many government programs such as Head Start, the Food Stamp Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program use these guidelines for determining eligibility.

LOW WAGES/UNEMPLOYMENT

• Nearly 60 percent of Capital Area Food Bank clients surveyed households reported that at least 1 or more adults were currently employed. (Hunger in America, 2001, Mathematica Policy Research).

RISING COST OF LIVING EXPENSES

• One-third of Capital Area Food Bank clients reported having to choose between buying food and paying for utilities at least once during the previous 12 months.  (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Hunger in America, 2001).
• Over one third reported having to choose between buying food and paying rent or mortgage.  (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Hunger in America, 2001)
• Nearly one third had to choose between buying food and paying for medicine or medical care.  (Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Hunger in America, 2001)

There are government programs to help alleviate hunger such as the Food Stamp Program, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and free and reduced price school breakfast and lunches.  However, many of these programs are under-utilized due to a lack of awareness, a lack of sufficient time to apply for assistance and a lack of understanding in completing the application process.  The Food Bank has several programs that address many of these issues.