Food Banks Urgently Need Help to Feed Nation's Hungry

New USDA Numbers Released Today Underscore Plight of 35.5 Million Americans

CHICAGO, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today by Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of America's Second Harvest--The Nation's Food Bank Network:

"The report released today by the USDA finding that 35.5 million Americans are at risk of hunger comes at a critical time for hungry Americans and those of us who help serve them.

"Our food bank members across the nation tell us they are facing critical shortages of food because of increase demand. There simply may be no food for many families when the rest of the nation gathers to celebrate Thanksgiving and religious holidays.

"It's disheartening that so many children in this country are unable to concentrate or function at full capacity in school because their stomachs are empty.

"Retired senior citizens must skip meals and put their health at risk, simply because they cannot afford a basic diet. Millions of hungry Americans are the working poor, unable to make ends meet on minimum wage salaries.

"The new report by the USDA is just one more testament to why food banks and hungry Americans need Congress to pass a strong nutrition title in the Farm Bill."