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Oregon's hunger rate still high but beginning to budge
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New figures released this week by the USDA show that while Oregon's hunger rate is still high, it is slightly improved. Read the press release.
The USDA measures food insecurity every year through a survey asking households across the nation about their ability to put food on the table.
- About 13.6% of households in Oregon (nearly 500,000 people) were food insecure between 2009 and 2011. That meant they lacked access to consistent amounts of nutritious food. The previous figure was 13.7%.
- About 5.9% of households in Oregon (more than 200,000 people) suffered from very low food security, or hunger, from 2009-2011. These Oregonians ate less, skipped meals and sometimes went without food for entire days. The previous figure was 6.1%.
Oregon held the line through the efforts of many people and organizations across the state, including nonprofits, government and educational institutions. These efforts are worth applauding, but that doesn't mean we can relax! The proposed farm bill threatens cuts to SNAP, even though it is our first line of defense to lift Oregonians out of hunger. And we still have over 500,000 Oregonians who struggle to feed their families. You can help: |
