About Hunger

There are nearly 456,000 people at risk for hunger every month in Orange County. Hunger touches people of every age, race, ethnic group and neighborhood. In some families, hunger occurs when a sudden emergency or crisis hits, but for most low-income families, hunger has become a long-term condition of poverty.

Among the vast majority of hungry people who live in Orange County, hunger is a hidden problem. It strikes individuals and families with children, as well as the elderly poor. Many of the people who need food assistance have full- or part-time jobs. But in a county where housing costs are among the highest in the nation, a full-time job does not guarantee that a family will be able to make ends meet. Low-income people are constantly making difficult choices among food, health care and rent; food is often the first thing to go.

The effects of hunger on our community are pervasive and far-reaching. 42% of those experiencing hunger are children, which seriously hampers their ability to learn and grow. Among the elderly and disabled, hunger can exacerbate both long- and short-term health problems and make it difficult to recover from minor setbacks. Finally, for most adults, having access to food and good nutrition is the first crucial step in learning new skills and launching a job search.

Support from the community is vital to the health of Orange County’s poorest residents, particularly at a time when the federal government has reduced its commitment to meeting the basic needs of its citizens. We ask that each and every resident of  Orange County take action in the fight to end hunger by volunteering at the Food Bank, starting a food program at a congregation or community organization, making a personal or corporate contribution, or learning more about the causes and effects of hunger.

Unfortunately hunger exists in every community.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture it is estimated that more than 5 million people do not always have enough food in California.  Nationally more than 38 million people are food insecure — or 12% of our population.  Hunger is a serious problem that affects all of us.