posted 12/21/10
Why not make a holiday donation (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years or any holiday of your choice) to the Hunger Network in honor of your special person? We will acknowledge your gift by sending your honoree a Happy Holiday card telling them that you have given a generous holiday gift in their honor to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. The gift will feed hungry children and families during the holidays. Enclosed with each card will be a true story about one of our clients that will be helped with their gift. This is so easy. All you need to do is fill out and send in the donation envelope that is enclosed with this newsletter or go to our website hungernetwork.org and click on the donate button. Just remember to list the holiday this gift represents. Last year several people made gifts in honor of their entire families. Have gift ideas or questions, call Sandee Ralston, at 216.619.8155 ext.12. Please make gifts early so we can be sure to get them to you honoree in time for the holiday or special occasion.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
State Budget Shortfalls in 2011
posted 11/16/10
Forty-six state governments in the U.S. will face budget shortfalls in fiscal year 2011 totaling $125 billion. The decline in state revenues are the worst on record. Ohio’s $50 billion budget faces a shortfall of up to $8 billion. Unemployment remains high, pushing public services to the limit and compounding state budget problems. More and more working households using food stamps to make ends meet. Which in turns indicates that more families will depend on the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.
Sources:
Working Households on the Rise – Share of Food Stamp households with children by type of income
Slide show: The State Budget Crisis and the Economy
Ohio Faces Budget Shortfall
Forty-six state governments in the U.S. will face budget shortfalls in fiscal year 2011 totaling $125 billion. The decline in state revenues are the worst on record. Ohio’s $50 billion budget faces a shortfall of up to $8 billion. Unemployment remains high, pushing public services to the limit and compounding state budget problems. More and more working households using food stamps to make ends meet. Which in turns indicates that more families will depend on the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.
Sources:
Working Households on the Rise – Share of Food Stamp households with children by type of income
Slide show: The State Budget Crisis and the Economy
Ohio Faces Budget Shortfall
Monday, October 25, 2010
99 Weeks: When Unemployment Benefits Run Out
posted 10/25/10
On last night's 60 minutes (10/24/10)Scott Pelley reported on people referred to as the "99ers". "99ers" are those unemployed that have reached the end of their unemployment benefits. Even though this 60 minutes story focuses on San Jose, California near Silicon Valley, they could be talking about Cleveland, Ohio.
At Hunger Network hunger centers throughout the Cuyahoga County including locations Parma, Lakewood and Bedford, we see similar faces unemployment, people in their 40s, 50s and 60s who thought they had done everything right: earned a degree, stayed with their company, saved for retirement.
Read or view the 60 minutes piece here.
Help those in our area by donating at www.hungernetwork.org
On last night's 60 minutes (10/24/10)Scott Pelley reported on people referred to as the "99ers". "99ers" are those unemployed that have reached the end of their unemployment benefits. Even though this 60 minutes story focuses on San Jose, California near Silicon Valley, they could be talking about Cleveland, Ohio.
At Hunger Network hunger centers throughout the Cuyahoga County including locations Parma, Lakewood and Bedford, we see similar faces unemployment, people in their 40s, 50s and 60s who thought they had done everything right: earned a degree, stayed with their company, saved for retirement.
Read or view the 60 minutes piece here.
Help those in our area by donating at www.hungernetwork.org
Monday, October 18, 2010
Consumer Prices Rise
Posted 10/18/10
With consumers holding back on spending due to high unemployment, rising debt levels, and an increase cost of living, the bad economic news casts a shadow over many Cleveland area families. Even though last month's increase of the Consumer Price Index was 0.1 percent according to the Department of Labor, Social Security recipients won't be getting a cost-of-living increase in their benefits for the second year in a row. Energy, meat, dairy, cereals and baked goods prices all rose in the last month. Corn futures are up to a two-year high as hog and cattle producers try to better manage their costs.
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is looking for donations, volunteers and/or contributions to help greater Cleveland's neediest people.
Sources:
CBS News
Bloomberg
With consumers holding back on spending due to high unemployment, rising debt levels, and an increase cost of living, the bad economic news casts a shadow over many Cleveland area families. Even though last month's increase of the Consumer Price Index was 0.1 percent according to the Department of Labor, Social Security recipients won't be getting a cost-of-living increase in their benefits for the second year in a row. Energy, meat, dairy, cereals and baked goods prices all rose in the last month. Corn futures are up to a two-year high as hog and cattle producers try to better manage their costs.
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is looking for donations, volunteers and/or contributions to help greater Cleveland's neediest people.
Sources:
CBS News
Bloomberg
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Food Prices on the Rise
posted 10/5/10
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food prices are the highest in two years. The FAO says its food price index was up 5 percent between July and August. A drought in Russia combined with wheat export restrictions and higher sugar prices were cited as some causes of the rise in food prices. The U.N. said that it has called a special meeting to address food prices and supply.
Families in Northeast Ohio have been hit hard by global price spikes and need your help. Lend a hand by donating or volunteer now with the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Visit www.hungernetwork.org for information.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food prices are the highest in two years. The FAO says its food price index was up 5 percent between July and August. A drought in Russia combined with wheat export restrictions and higher sugar prices were cited as some causes of the rise in food prices. The U.N. said that it has called a special meeting to address food prices and supply.
Families in Northeast Ohio have been hit hard by global price spikes and need your help. Lend a hand by donating or volunteer now with the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Visit www.hungernetwork.org for information.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Food Hardship
posted 8/30/10
After-tax income for the working poor has only increased by 16% from 1979 to 2007. While the food hardship rate from 2008-2009 was well over 19.2% for Northeast Ohio.
Take a look at the Food Hardship report from FRAC and/or the research on income gaps.
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is counting on your support to help feed Greater Cleveland's families in need.
After-tax income for the working poor has only increased by 16% from 1979 to 2007. While the food hardship rate from 2008-2009 was well over 19.2% for Northeast Ohio.
Take a look at the Food Hardship report from FRAC and/or the research on income gaps.
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is counting on your support to help feed Greater Cleveland's families in need.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Child Nutrition Act
posted 8/5/10
Every five years or so, Congress reviews and revises the Child Nutrition Act Through a process commonly known as Child Nutrition Reauthorization. This process sets rules and funding levels for the major school lunch and other food programs, including the school breakfast program and a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC.
Rather than passing a new bill last year when the old one expired, Congress passed a one-year extension, which expires at the end of September.
Read more here and here
Every five years or so, Congress reviews and revises the Child Nutrition Act Through a process commonly known as Child Nutrition Reauthorization. This process sets rules and funding levels for the major school lunch and other food programs, including the school breakfast program and a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC.
Rather than passing a new bill last year when the old one expired, Congress passed a one-year extension, which expires at the end of September.
Read more here and here
Monday, July 19, 2010
Foreclosure filings increase in Cuyahoga County during first half of the year
posted 7/19/10
Read the full article from The Plain Dealer
New foreclosure fillings in Cuyahoga County rose more than 12 percent during the first six months of this year, with the suburbs continuing to feel the brunt of the increase.
Residential and commercial foreclosure filings hit 7,440 in the first half of the year compared to 6,604 in the same period last year, according to data compiled by Case Western Reserve University's Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development.
... "I don't see it getting better for at least two years, maybe three."
... "By and large we don't see bad loans anymore. These are good traditional loans...it's unemployment that's killing people."
... The data does show mortgage foreclosure filings declined about 6 percent from the first quarter of this year to the second quarter. But the number of such filings for the first half of this year still topped those from either their the first or second half of last year.
What does this mean for the Hunger Network?
Over the last few years and especially during the last year, the Hunger Network has seen a spike in service at our suburban hunger centers. Most of the new families in the suburbs visiting a hunger center are there because they have either lost their job or had their wages cut.
Read the full article from The Plain Dealer
New foreclosure fillings in Cuyahoga County rose more than 12 percent during the first six months of this year, with the suburbs continuing to feel the brunt of the increase.
Residential and commercial foreclosure filings hit 7,440 in the first half of the year compared to 6,604 in the same period last year, according to data compiled by Case Western Reserve University's Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development.
... "I don't see it getting better for at least two years, maybe three."
... "By and large we don't see bad loans anymore. These are good traditional loans...it's unemployment that's killing people."
... The data does show mortgage foreclosure filings declined about 6 percent from the first quarter of this year to the second quarter. But the number of such filings for the first half of this year still topped those from either their the first or second half of last year.
What does this mean for the Hunger Network?
Over the last few years and especially during the last year, the Hunger Network has seen a spike in service at our suburban hunger centers. Most of the new families in the suburbs visiting a hunger center are there because they have either lost their job or had their wages cut.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Summer Lunches
posted 7/1/10
According to a report from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) only 16% of students that received free or reduced-cost lunches during the school year were fed in the summer of 2009.
Summer food participation fell while regular year school lunch participation by low-income children rose by nearly 800,000 children from school year 2007-2008 to 2008-2009, showing how the recession has driven up need.
For imformation about the study click here.
According to a report from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) only 16% of students that received free or reduced-cost lunches during the school year were fed in the summer of 2009.
Summer food participation fell while regular year school lunch participation by low-income children rose by nearly 800,000 children from school year 2007-2008 to 2008-2009, showing how the recession has driven up need.
For imformation about the study click here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Question?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
If you had nothing to eat for 2 days and could choose only one thing to eat what would it be? And Why that specific food? This is what many of low income people in the greater Cleveland area face on a regular basis.
If you had nothing to eat for 2 days and could choose only one thing to eat what would it be? And Why that specific food? This is what many of low income people in the greater Cleveland area face on a regular basis.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Volunteering
Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Yesterday we went to check out the hot-meal program at Cory Hunger Center and interview some of the volunteers. Since 1982, Cory Hunger Center has been providing a hot-meal for those in need for the last seven days of each month. There is one volunteer that has been at Cory's since its start in 1982 and she had lots to share with us about why she volunteers.
Pauline is an 81 year old widow with no children. She worked as a domestic engineer for well over thirty years and was still working when she began to volunteer at Cory's. In her hand she held a weathered pamphlet from 1988 recognizing those who had donated to the program as well as the volunteers there. Pauline had brought the pamphlet with her so that she would not forget anything. When asked what her favorite memories were from her volunteer work at the center, Pauline pointed to the list of volunteers on the back of the pamphlet and said "working with these people here." Though many of those people listed are no longer there, Pauline has never left. The last seven days of the month are what she looks forward to during those three weeks that she is not providing hot-meals for those in need in her community. Pauline loves to make connections with those she is helping as well as the people she is volunteering with. In the 28 years that Cory's has been running, it has only closed down once for a couple of months, but Pauline described those few months as "miserable." It is because of dedicated volunteers like Pauline that places like Cory's continue to serve the hungry in their communities.
Much of the success of the Hunger Network is in part to dedicated volunteers like Pauline. Many of the volunteers we meet are retired and we encourage the younger working generation to volunteer as well. Anyone can volunteer and it is a great way to give back to the community.
Pauline is an 81 year old widow with no children. She worked as a domestic engineer for well over thirty years and was still working when she began to volunteer at Cory's. In her hand she held a weathered pamphlet from 1988 recognizing those who had donated to the program as well as the volunteers there. Pauline had brought the pamphlet with her so that she would not forget anything. When asked what her favorite memories were from her volunteer work at the center, Pauline pointed to the list of volunteers on the back of the pamphlet and said "working with these people here." Though many of those people listed are no longer there, Pauline has never left. The last seven days of the month are what she looks forward to during those three weeks that she is not providing hot-meals for those in need in her community. Pauline loves to make connections with those she is helping as well as the people she is volunteering with. In the 28 years that Cory's has been running, it has only closed down once for a couple of months, but Pauline described those few months as "miserable." It is because of dedicated volunteers like Pauline that places like Cory's continue to serve the hungry in their communities.
Much of the success of the Hunger Network is in part to dedicated volunteers like Pauline. Many of the volunteers we meet are retired and we encourage the younger working generation to volunteer as well. Anyone can volunteer and it is a great way to give back to the community.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Storm of Job Loss
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2010.
The economic growth rate, which stands at 3%, is predicted to fall below 2% by the middle of the year, according to Wells Fargo estimates. Consumer spending is on the decline, and economic growth will be dependent on the private sector. The Labor Department reported last Thursday that first-time unemployment benefit claims has increased by 22,000, to the rate of 495,000. The 4 week average is 30,000.
The numbers don't lie, these are tough times in the job market. Blame is being placed for the higher claims on the recent snowstorms, causing a back log of claims. However, these higher claims mean that the unemployment rate, which hovers around 10 percent, likely rose in February. The snowstorms may have cost up to 100,000 jobs. This rise is no shock to the country, as devastation seems to be the adjective to describe the past several years of our economy.
More job layoffs mean less money for consumer spending. The economic rebound does not look like a slam dunk for this year. While we can not affect immediate change on the economy, we can continue to unite in this fight. Families are forced to dig deep in their pockets to fight hunger, many new to this struggle due to the recent snowstorms.
Let's remember to keep our heads up and help those in need. The Hunger Network looks forward to our 22nd Annual Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger, which is a key fundraiser in stopping hunger in the Greater Cleveland area. Please find ways to help in our community and mark May 8th in your calendars for the Walk!
The economic growth rate, which stands at 3%, is predicted to fall below 2% by the middle of the year, according to Wells Fargo estimates. Consumer spending is on the decline, and economic growth will be dependent on the private sector. The Labor Department reported last Thursday that first-time unemployment benefit claims has increased by 22,000, to the rate of 495,000. The 4 week average is 30,000.
The numbers don't lie, these are tough times in the job market. Blame is being placed for the higher claims on the recent snowstorms, causing a back log of claims. However, these higher claims mean that the unemployment rate, which hovers around 10 percent, likely rose in February. The snowstorms may have cost up to 100,000 jobs. This rise is no shock to the country, as devastation seems to be the adjective to describe the past several years of our economy.
More job layoffs mean less money for consumer spending. The economic rebound does not look like a slam dunk for this year. While we can not affect immediate change on the economy, we can continue to unite in this fight. Families are forced to dig deep in their pockets to fight hunger, many new to this struggle due to the recent snowstorms.
Let's remember to keep our heads up and help those in need. The Hunger Network looks forward to our 22nd Annual Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger, which is a key fundraiser in stopping hunger in the Greater Cleveland area. Please find ways to help in our community and mark May 8th in your calendars for the Walk!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Kick-Off the Walk
February 9th, 2010. ATTENTION Clevelanders! The Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger is only 3 months away! But why wait 3 months to celebrate a community effort to stop hunger? Mark your calenders now and come join us KICK-OFF the walk on Wednesday, March 3rd at the Hard Rock Cafe (Tower City Center, 230 West Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113). Treat yourselves to some FREE appetizers, soft drinks, and prizes and learn tips on how to lead your teams.
If you have not already done so, get yourselves registered for the Walk for Hunger. What an awesome way to support our community to help in the fight against hunger. Call us at 216-619-8155 ext. 18 or register online through our website. Bet you can do it in under 2 minutes :)
Can't walk? Volunteer! Volunteer as a route guide, pass out water at mid-points, join our Burke Harbor setup and clean up crews, or distribute breakfast and lunch. OR if you have a special talent, sign up as entertainment for the walk participants!
We genuinely appreciate your efforts in helping to support the Walk, the Hunger Network, and the community. Thank you for your assistance in pursuing our mission to feed the hungry families of the Greater Cleveland area! Hope to see you all at the Kick-Off celebration!
If you have not already done so, get yourselves registered for the Walk for Hunger. What an awesome way to support our community to help in the fight against hunger. Call us at 216-619-8155 ext. 18 or register online through our website. Bet you can do it in under 2 minutes :)
Can't walk? Volunteer! Volunteer as a route guide, pass out water at mid-points, join our Burke Harbor setup and clean up crews, or distribute breakfast and lunch. OR if you have a special talent, sign up as entertainment for the walk participants!
We genuinely appreciate your efforts in helping to support the Walk, the Hunger Network, and the community. Thank you for your assistance in pursuing our mission to feed the hungry families of the Greater Cleveland area! Hope to see you all at the Kick-Off celebration!
Fight Against Hunger Perseveres in 2010
February 9th, 2010. As we commence 2010, the "Great Recession" continues to affect American families. Unemployment lingers around 10 percent, despite hopeful predictions of a decrease. 7 million jobs have been lost over the course of this economic crisis, beginning in December of 2007.
The Hunger Network is helping more families than ever before, a sign of the growing number of families in need of food. A recent visit to the Parma Hunger Center reinforced the predictions of the growing hunger rate, and at the same time demonstrated the strength of the community. Parma Hunger Center's Volunteer Manager, Arch Stevenson, shared with us that his hunger center provided meals to 27.5 percent more families in 2009 than the previous year, while 2008 numbers were 25 percent higher than 2007. Arch estimates an even higher increase for this year. He believes this based on to reasons: one, the community is still suffering job loss and two, the wall of fear families put up in asking for help is coming down. Some families wait until their kitchens are completely empty, Stevenson tells, before reaching out for help. But they have no choice other than to turn to the Hunger Center, where they are welcomed with open arms.
The Parma community shows endless support with food donations coming in constantly from the area food drives and the help of many volunteers. The Parma Hunger Center is a truly wonderful example of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's mission, which is to serve and help as many people as possible. The volunteers do an amazing job at orchestrating the flow of food in and out of the center into the hands of families in need.
Although the fight against hunger perseveres, the community is still at work. But this fight needs to be fought harder and stronger than ever! Please, donate what you can whether it be your time or directly to a hunger center. The community must continue to unite and stop hunger in its tracks!
The Hunger Network is helping more families than ever before, a sign of the growing number of families in need of food. A recent visit to the Parma Hunger Center reinforced the predictions of the growing hunger rate, and at the same time demonstrated the strength of the community. Parma Hunger Center's Volunteer Manager, Arch Stevenson, shared with us that his hunger center provided meals to 27.5 percent more families in 2009 than the previous year, while 2008 numbers were 25 percent higher than 2007. Arch estimates an even higher increase for this year. He believes this based on to reasons: one, the community is still suffering job loss and two, the wall of fear families put up in asking for help is coming down. Some families wait until their kitchens are completely empty, Stevenson tells, before reaching out for help. But they have no choice other than to turn to the Hunger Center, where they are welcomed with open arms.
The Parma community shows endless support with food donations coming in constantly from the area food drives and the help of many volunteers. The Parma Hunger Center is a truly wonderful example of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's mission, which is to serve and help as many people as possible. The volunteers do an amazing job at orchestrating the flow of food in and out of the center into the hands of families in need.
Although the fight against hunger perseveres, the community is still at work. But this fight needs to be fought harder and stronger than ever! Please, donate what you can whether it be your time or directly to a hunger center. The community must continue to unite and stop hunger in its tracks!
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