Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Giving Made Easy

Here is a great and easy solution... make a holiday donation (Christmas, Hanukah, 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 special card telling them that you have given a holiday gift in their honor to help the Hunger Network feed hungry children and families during the holidays. Enclosed with this card will be a true story about one of our clients that will be helped with their gift.

All you need to do is go to our website, Hungernetwork.org and click on the donate button. Just remember to list the holiday this gift represents. Questions, call (216) 619-8155.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Cost Increase for Thanksgiving Dinner

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner will be more expensive this year. This year’s average cost for a meal feeding 10 people is $49.20, "which is $5.73 more than last year."

The AFBF has been conducting the Thanksgiving survey since 1986. Back then; the cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people was $28.74. Despite the increase in prices, consumers are not cutting back on their feasting plans.

To save money, those planning a Thanksgiving feast can:

- Avoid going overboard with variety

- Use smaller portion sizes

- Make recipes simpler

Friday, November 4, 2011

Suburban poverty rates rising faster in our region, study finds

posted November 4, 2011

The number of people living in extremely poor neighborhoods has grown faster in Northeast Ohio suburbs than elsewhere in the nation, poverty figures release Wednesday by the Brooking Institution show..... With an 8% point increase, Cleveland's suburbs claimed the nation's 4th highest rate of growth of the poor in poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland has been serving the suburbs for over 30 years. Hunger centers are located in Cleveland Hts, Euclid, Shaker Hts, Bedford, Maple Hts, Parma, Lakewood, Berea, Bay Village and others. Similar to the figures released, the Hunger Network has seen an increase of 20-40% (depending on the area) over the last 10 years in the suburban hunger centers with some increases considerable higher in 2009-2011.

Read the full article from The Plain Dealer Here

Monday, October 31, 2011

Beef prices leading U.S. food price increases this holiday season

Posted- October 31, 2011



Beef Prices in the United States will be leading the food price increases as the holidays get closer and closer according to the USDA's latest Consumer Price Index for Food. Meat prices in general are climbing faster than those of other food categories this year, averaging "8 to 9 percent higher" then in 2010. The latest Comsumer Price Index for Food from the USDA shows that food prices are going up by "3.5 to 4.5 percent, while meats, poultry and fish are up 5.5 to 6.5 percent."



The report says that commodity and energy prices are pushing wholesale and retail food prices upwards. As the planet's population increases, additional demand for food will drive prices up further. For the coming year, food prices will depend "on factors such as weather conditions, fuel prices and the value of the U.S. dollar."


Original article available here: http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-news/latest/Beef-leads-food-price-increase-132738093.html


USDA/ERS CPI for Food Report: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/CPIFoodAndExpenditures/Data/CPIForecasts.htm

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Cleveland ranked as the 3rd poorest city

posted September 22, 2011

A new census report came out today. The American Community Survey shows Cleveland has a 34 percent poverty rate. Which means Cleveland is the 3rd poorest city with a population of 200,000 or more, behind Detroit and San Bernardino, CA.

See the full story here.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Report Finds More Children Living in Poverty

Posted- August 15, 2011

Between 2008 and 2009, child poverty increased nearly 10%, the largest increase since 1960 according to a new Children's Defense Fund report. In 2009, one in five children-a total of 15.5 million- lived in poverty. One in three black children lives in poverty, compared to one in ten white children. Black and Hispanic children are much more likely than white children to be overweight or obese. More than one in then households in 43 states do not have access to enough food; in 2009, a record 15.6 million children received SNAP/Food Stamps. An additional 1.2 million children received free or reduced-price school lunch since the recession began in late 2007. Children are suffering because of the "great recession," and poverty, hunger and homelessness threaten these children's potential to grow into successful adults.

Courtesy of FRAC (Food and Research Action Center)

Read article from The Plain Dealer Here.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Community Support

Posted- July 7, 2011


Over the last few months the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland has continued to receive support through community fundraisers and events. The Hunger Network truly appreciates their support.


They've Done it Again... Bay Presbyterian Surpasses Goal!
At the May board meeting, Rev. Dan Edgerly presented a $43,200 check to Executive Director Dana Irribarren. For the last 15 years, Bay Presbyterian Church has raised money to purchase poultry for Hunger Network clients and puts forth a challenge to use to match their efforts. This remarkable congregation provides the centerpiece for thousands of Hunger Network client's holiday meal. Over the years Bay Presbyterian Church has single handedly raise well over half a million dollars to purchase the poultry which has been matched by the Hunger Network. The Hunger Network is extremely grateful to BPS for their continued support.


Shut Out Hunger- February 2011
Majestic Steel USA partnered with the Lake Erie Monsters to present Shut Out Hunger to benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. During February Monster's home games, Majestic Steel volunteers collected non-perishable food from fans as the enter The Q. Over 1,500 food items were collected throughout the campaign. This second year effort was a huge success. The Hunger Network thanks Majestic Steel, Lake Erie Monsters and all who participated.


Young Association of Comedians make a debut at SHS- May 5, 2011

Some students enjoy throwing a football or playing an instrument, but Solon High School recently made a new activity available-- stand-up comedy. Students may participate by joining the Young Association of Comedians, also known as YAC.


"The opportunity finally presented itself to create the club at the beginning of this school year," said president, founder and senior, Zach Davidson.


"I've always been interested in stand-up comedy." Zach said. "I think there's so much great material in the high school, [such as] the cliques [and] awkward situations."


Using the material that they find at school, members can share their original jokes with the rest of the group and get feedback during meetings. They ultimately rehearsed their materials for a charity event at the end of the school year called 'Ha Ha's for Hunger.'


Their first event held on May 5, 2011, raised $1,000 for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Zach said, "we chose this organization because we realize the importance of helping those who are in need [and] because of the recent financial crisis, [the] city of Cleveland has been hit hard, and many are hurting and in need of a helping hand and a meal."


Feed the Children- June 14, 2011

On June 14th, the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland partnered with the international organization, Feed the Children, to distribute food and essentials to 400 pre-identified low-income families on the south east side of the city of Cleveland. Each family received a box of food, a box of personal items and a box of Avon products. The boxes are designed to help supplement a family of four for up to one week. This distribution is part of the Feed the Children's Americans Feed Americans Caravan program.


Legacy Village and V107.3FM

We thank Legacy Village and V107.3FM for their generous donation as part of the "A Cause to Decorate" fundraising event.


Empty Bowls

We thank Hathaway Brown Middle School for holding their annual Empty Bows fundraiser. Hathaway Brown families were invited for a light meal of soup and bread while listening to a program about the issues of hunger. $1052 was raised and donated to the Hunger Network.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Garden of Giving- Feed a Growing Need

Posted- June 9, 2011
The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland has developed a prototype community garden project to provide-in season fresh vegetables for the 35 major food pantries within the Hunger Network System.

On Saturday, May 7th volunteers framed 6 deep bed garden plots at the Redeemer Crisis Center on West 30th St. The beds were planted by volunteers on Saturday, May 21, and will be maintained as a part of Redeemer's summer youth program.




Thursday, April 14, 2011

Fundraising Tips 4.14.11

Raising money for the Walk for Hunger is fun and easy to do! Here are a few tips. Set a fundraising goal. Make a goal chart and set it up at your school, office or church. It's all about networking! Social networking that is. Facebook and Twitter are great ways to let everybody know about your fundraising goals. Post a link to your team's personal fundraising page and encourage people to help you reach your goal! Take a break! Fundraising at work doesn't have to be another donut sale in the break room. Majestic Steel's team is organizing a "Soup"er Bowl Wii Tournament. A bracket-style tournament with 50% of the proceeds donated to the Walk for Hunger, and the other half goes to the best bowler of the bunch! Also, check to see if your company offers matching donations! Another way to raise money is to sell Hunger Network Apples. For only $1 your friends, family, and co-workers can show their support in the fight against hunger by purchasing a Hunger Network Apple. E-mail Michelle at the office, or give her a call at (216)619-8155 ext 18 to learn how to get Hunger Network Apples.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Price of Corn on the Rise (4/5/11)

April 5, 2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last month that global demand for food has pushed "U.S. corn supplies to its lowest point in 15 years," doubling its price. The price of corn impacts many other food products in local supermarkets. Corn is used as feed for livestock, and can affect the price of beef, chicken, and pork. Since the life of a chicken is so short, chicken prices absorb price changes more quickly. It could take up to two years before consumers start paying more for animals with longer life spans, like hogs and cattle. Corn is also the primary ingredient in corn syrup, a popular sweetener, so products like Cap'n Crunch, Pepsi, and Coke will also be affected

Global demand for food, as well as supply chain issues are raising food prices across the board. Corn prices in Vietnam have risen 11 percent after plant protection authorities rejected 50,000 tons of Indian corn and soy meal that was found infected with insects. Industry officials detained the cargo from India. Bad weather in the United States Great Plains region have hurt winter wheat crops. Contracts for March delivery of wheat and corn both went up 3.7 percent each.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Save Emergency Food & Shelter Funding (3/8/11)

Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland my lose up to 50% of funding through Emergency Food and Shelter.
Congress, with the support of the Administration is looking to curb spending in 2011 by cutting $100 million from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. A budget cut of this magnitude (50%) weakens the EFSP and impacts communities nationwide. In lieu of our current fiscal environment, many programs cannot avoid some level of funding cuts. Effectuating a $50 million cut would reduce spending to $150 million (the equivalent of 2008's spending) and would align with overall spending reductions called for by the new House Republican majority to limit overall spending. You can help turn back the cuts by contacting your congressmen. Call the congressional switchboard at: 202-224-3121 or visit http://thomas.loc.gov

Thursday, February 24, 2011

USDA and HHS Announce New Food Guidelines (2.24.11)

February 24, 2011:

Congress requires that the Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years, promoting health and reduced risk of disease and obesity. These guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition programs and educational efforts. The updates will effect what is served in school lunches as well as WIC food packages.

Nutrition improvement programs are now more important than ever, as 50 million Americans live in food insecure households. The new guidelines emphasize the need to improve the quality of American's diets. The new program also focuses on making sure that all Americans have access to healthy food choices and opportunities for physical activity.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans addresses the nation's obesity problem by encouraging Americans to balance calorie intake with physical activity. Increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein is recommended to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

This edition is issuing a Call to Action to support individuals and families to meet the Dietary Guidelines. Making sure that everybody has access to healthy foods and physical activity is imperative. Several strategies are outlines in the report to achieve this goal such as, access to safe and affordable nutritious foods, promoting participation in the federal nutrition assistance programs to increase food security, and to expand access to grocery stores and other sources of healthy food.

Check out the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and the official statement from the FRAC

Thursday, January 27, 2011

End of the month

Posted 1/27/11

In November, $241.1 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds were spent by over 1.7 million Ohioans. SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps, are funded by the federal government. Almost 75 percent of that amount was spent in the first half of the month and approximately 30 percent was spent in the first five days. According to September 2010 numbers from the Ohio Department of Job and Family services, the number of people on food assistance has increased 118 percent since 2002 and 55 percent since 2007.

With the increased number of Ohioans in dire need of food assistance, the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland could use your help in its efforts to feed the impoverished families in the area. Since much of the food stamp money is spent at the beginning of the month, many families need help in the last two weeks of the month.

Visit www.hungernetwork.org and help make a difference in your local community.