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!

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!

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!