Release of New Study, Hunger in America 2010, Illustrates Severity of Hunger and Difficult Choices Facing Rhode Island Families

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A landmark study released today by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, depicts the hardships facing clients served through the Food Bank’s network of emergency food programs.  According to the report, most client households live below poverty and are unable to afford adequate food.  In Rhode Island, four out of every ten served are families with children.

The study, commissioned by Feeding America, was produced by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., a social policy research firm that is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of human services research. Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to capture the significant connection between the current economic downturn and the increased need for emergency food assistance.  Reflecting the high rate of job loss and unemployment, in one-fifth of Rhode Island client households, an adult was laid off during the past year.

“The number of people served each month at emergency food programs in Rhode Island has grown to more than 50,000,” states Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “It is extremely troubling that so many Rhode Islanders need food assistance.  In particular, the number of children served through our network is of enormous concern since hunger takes a tremendous toll on children’s learning and health.”

Families Face Difficult Choices

At program sites throughout Rhode Island, Food Bank staff members and volunteers conducted interviews with 361 clients as part of the national study.  Many of the clients who participated in face-to-face interviews reported having to make difficult choices between food and other basic necessities: 41 percent of client households explained that they have such limited income that they must choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage.  Additionally, 43 percent had to decide whether to pay for food or pay their utility bills; 32 percent made choices between food and medicine or health care.

Download a copy of Rhode Island's Executive Summary for Hunger in America 2010 here.