The costs of hunger and what you can do to help

August 06, 2007

The costs of hunger and what you can do to help

August 6, 2007

By Hal Cohen

Times Argus
At least twice a week Jim Mangene, food shelf manager at the Central Vermont Community Action Council, drives his truck to the Vermont Foodbank to pick the most nutritious choices from what is available. USDA commodities, which are often the most useful staples, have been in short supply lately, and Jim is "psyched" because a shipment of peanut butter, dried cherries, and grape juice is expected soon. Jim is constantly on the lookout for donations of staples, produce, meat and dairy products to supplement the food he is able to offer to people in need.

Each year Jim and a group of staff and volunteers help to feed more than 6,000 central Vermonters and the number of folks seeking help is growing. More working families that are not earning livable wages are relying on the food shelf regularly to help make ends meet. The Foodbank is just one partner in this effort; private donations and food drives, supermarkets, food co-ops, and a local bread company together are adding to the quality and variety of foods Jim is able to provide. The Foodbank Farm at the Two Rivers Center in Montpelier offers a steady source of fresh produce that "flies off the shelf" as soon as it's delivered as do organic products and whole foods.

Every year in Vermont, 23,000 households experience hunger, the economic consequences of which impact our state to the tune of $200 million annually, according to a recent study by the Sodexho Foundation (http://www.helpstophunger.org/ cost of hunger.asp). Costs include resources to support community pantries, food shelves and food banks; however, two-thirds of these costs are related to physical and mental illness, lower education rates, and lower productivity that result from hunger.

There is no singular cause of hunger and malnutrition, but rather a confluence of issues that contribute to "food insecurity." (According to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, families experience food insecurity when they are unable to obtain enough safe, nutritious foods from socially acceptable sources to lead active and healthy lives.) High housing costs, rising costs of medical care, unreliable transportation, lack of jobs that pay livable wages, and more erode a family's ability to afford food that is nutritious and easily accessible.

Hunger issues can be overwhelming but here are some ways you can do something about it by supporting local organizations that address food insecurity:

* Donate your time, food, and/or financial support to local food pantries and community meal programs.

* Donate refrigerators and freezers (in good working order) to allow food shelves to carry more fresh produce, dairy products, frozen meats and other perishable items.

* Advocate for school breakfast and lunch, summer feeding programs, and child care food programs. You are supporting the only reliable sources of nutritious meals for many low income children.

Vermont 211 and your local United Way can help you identify other food programs in your area. I hope you will choose to get involved by helping feed the hungry Vermonters in your community.

Hal Cohen is a member of the Governor's Hunger Task Force

August 06, 2007

Press Room