News and Blog - Poetry X Hunger

USDA Report on SNAP Program

6/14/2021

Here's the link to a recently released USDA report that examines who, in fact, uses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps). The findings may surprise you. Thanks to the Food Research & Action Center for sharing the link.

New USDA Report Provides Picture of Who Participates in SNAP - Food Research & Action Center (frac.org)

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

11/17/2020

Below is some information about last week's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by St. John's Community Services:

Homelessness can happen to anyone at any age. Many people live one paycheck or one life event away from losing everything. Can you find it in your heart to help the vulnerable individuals and families affected by homelessness?

Your gift today can ensure men, women, and children experiencing homelessness have a safe place to shelter and food to eat. Any amount will help, but $25 will provide five meals for someone in need, $75 will provide a week's worth of groceries for an individual in our Oasis program, or a gift of $100 will ensure an individual experiencing homelessness will have a safe place to sleep in our shelter.

America at Hunger's Edge

9/8/2020

Please take a moment to read this important post and see the images from across the U.S. that speak to the food insecurity: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/02/magazine/food-insecurity-hunger-us.html

Hunger in San Antonio, Texas

6/30/2020

A recent article by Tamir Kalifa describes responses in San Antonio, TX to the dramatic rise in hunger caused by the pandemic:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/27/opinion/san-antonio-food-bank-coronavirus.html?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20200629&instance_id=19846&nl=opinion-today&regi_id=15645374&segment_id=32119&te=1&user_id=e41d7af19d34cb29d1c06efa4ee0c555

Thanks to poet/friend, Anne Harding Woodworth, for sharing the article.

Addressing racism in anti-hunger work

6/6/2020

This powerful message from the National Anti-Hunger Organizations focuses on the systemic, long-standing and abhorrent racial inequities that affect hunger in America.

Please read this important statement!

You can download the file below.

naho_statement_on_structural_racism_june_4_2020.pdf
File Size:	244 kb
File Type:	pdf

Addressing racism in anti-hunger work

6/6/2020

Here's another powerful statement from a leading anti-hunger organization about the need to address racism in our anti-hunger work:

Message from Feeding America:

"We've been watching the news, horrified, for the last two weeks. As police violence runs through every state, it's clear that this is what racism looks like in America.

The reality is that racism is also fundamental to why many of our Black neighbors don't have enough to eat. With decades of discriminatory policy that have led to poorly-funded schools, higher unemployment, lower home ownership, and worse access to food, it's no surprise that double the number of Black households face hunger as compared to white households. The staggering economic effects of COVID-19 are set to make that even worse.

Our mission to end hunger must include taking action on racism. So, non-Black allies, we invite you to join us in recommitting to fighting racial discrimination and violence in all its forms.

Five quick actions to take right now as an ally for Black lives:

Donate to the Community Justice Exchange – a nonprofit project of the Tides Center (which has a five-star rating on Charity Navigator). The organization hosts the National Bail Fund Network that helps pay for the release of people held on cash bail, including Black and brown people whose bail amounts are routinely set higher than others'. (Learn more about that here.)
Get educated on how you can be a better ally. Here's an anti-racist reading list to get you started.
Learn more about why tackling racism is so key to ending hunger in America.
Talk to your kids about anti-Black racism and police violence. Start with this great guide.
This is the only beginning of the road to justice for George Floyd. Sign the #JusticeForFloyd petition and take a stand on excessive police violence.

Black Lives Matter, and we must stand with those demanding justice, accountability, and action to confront the racism and inequality that lead to police violence and hunger alike. We're hopeful that, together, we can make a difference.

In solidarity, safety, and health,

Amirio, Danny, Mike, Mya, and Thao
Feeding America Government Relations Team"

COVID-19 effects on hunger and the food system in the U.S.

5/22/2020

Here's another clear discussion about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hunger and the overall US food system from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS. Read more HERE.

Pandemic-caused childhood hunger in the U.S.

5/6/2020

Here's a sobering note in an e-newsletter from Andrew Schwartz of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He cites a recent article in the New York Times by Jason DeParle about the very high rate of pandemic-caused childhood hunger in the U.S.
1 In 5 Children HungryResearch released Wednesday shows a rise in food insecurity without modern precedent. Nearly a fifth of young children are not getting enough to eat, according to surveys of their mothers by the Brookings Institution. The rate is three times higher than in 2008, at the worst of the Great Recession, reports Jason DeParle of the NYT.

Hunger in America...

4/19/2020

A recent article by Roger Thurow about how the pandemic has showcased hunger in America.

https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/blog/global-food-thought/americas-oxymoron

Fears of famine in Zimbabwe are growing

2/20/2020

Alarms are sounding. Famine seems eminent in Zimbabwe as the new decade opens. More than half of the country's population are already food insecure. Yes, hunger's claws are as sharp as ever.

Poets may want to respond.

Here's an article about the situation -

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-20/worst-ever-famine-threatens-zimbabwe-as-economy-collapses