Holiday Food Drive

12/17/2009. The chilly Cleveland weather surely indicates that the holiday season is here. This time of the year is best shared with family and friends as celebrations of all kinds take place and we treat ourselves to the holiday cheer.

Unfortunately for some Clevelanders, the holiday season brings on more anxiety than cheer. Rather than dreaming of the seasonal festivities, the unfortunate are struggling to come up with ways to pay the heating bills during these cold winter months ahead and how to put food on the table. It is no secret that this year the job market remains very restrictive. Even over-qualified applicants are experiencing the turmoil in finding a job. In times like these, it is important to come together as a community and help those in need.

The Hunger Network's Holiday Drive is taking place now through January 31. All we ask is if you can help, please do. Even a little bit goes a long way as the Hunger Network is able to provide 4 nutritionally balanced meals for $1. Our goal this year is to raise more than $500,000 to feed hungry children and families during the holiday season and winter months. Do the math...that's 2 million meals! 2 million meals feeds a whole bunch of hungry stomachs.

Children are an essential aspect of the holiday spirit, and it is our obligation to provide them with the best we can. No child deserves to go cold or hungry this winter. Over half of the people we feed are children, who remain helpless in this economic recession.

Again, all we request is that you give what you can. There are many ways to donate, whether it be hosting a Hunger Network food and/or fund drive, donating at our website, or even making a donation to the Hunger Network in the name of a special individual as a holiday gift. We must unite as a community in the fight against hunger this holiday season!

Household Hunger on the Rise

Today is Thursday, November 19th. Hunger in U.S. households has quickly evolved into an epidemic in this economic crisis. The number of housholds struggling to feed their families has increased from 4 million to 17 million, a true reflection of recession-driven job losses within the past year. The cycle of layoffs, increased poverty, and unemployment ultimately results in household hunger increases of nearly 30% from 2008. This is a point of major concern, for some families no longer have the luxury of providing well-balanced meals and focus on merely putting food in their stomachs. These households are starving for work, for money, and for food.

Reports from November 16, 2009 on household food shortages show that this amounts to 14.6% of the population, or about 49 million people. The USDA classifies these suffering households as having "food insecurity" which means they do not have enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. According to The Plain Dealer, two-thirds of a group of people used to conduct phone interviews shared that they have very low food security and often go hungry. Even more devastationg, 27% admitted that some days thay eat nothing at all.

According to Mark Nord with the USDA's economic research service, numbers are likely to increase next year. Another shocking statistic is that almost one in four children in our country live on the brink of hunger. The president of Feeding America, Vickie Escarra, said,"The escalating unemployment rate and the number of working-poor lead us to believe that the number of people facing hunger will continue to rise significantly over the coming year. Research on previous economic recessions indicates that people who fall into the grips of poverty in a time of recession do not recover financially."

The reality is that in order to lower these numbers it is going to take a concentrated effort. This country as a whole needs to make a major commitment to fighting hunger. But in order to put a dent in these statistics, a focus needs to be taken within our community. Every little bit helps, and this is what the Hunger Network is here to prove. We are the liaison between your assistance and the hungry people of Greater Cleveland. The face of hunger may be your neighbor, your mail-person, a relative, or even you.

The point is, hunger does not discriminate. All we ask is that you give what you can in this time of need and most especially during the holiday season. For some families, Thanksgiving dinner is not about the turkey but about having something to offer at the dinner table. Help give these hungry families a Thanksgiving meal that they will be undoubtedly thankful for. Donate today!

Helping those that have served for our country

Today is Thursday, October 29th. I met 2 extraordinary men who depend on the Hunger Network for food. Why are these men extraordinary? Because they have both served our country as a member of the military... One just got back from Iraq and the other is a Vietnam War veteran.

Joel is 32 years old and has 12 years of military service. He is currently in the Army Reserved. Back in 2006 he was deployed to Iraq for 16 months. When he returned home toward the end of 2007, he found himself with out a job and a family to support. Joel has spent the last 2 years looking for work in security or really anything because he needs a job. He has gone on lots of interviews and filled out hundreds of application but is never chosen for the position. Kellie his fiance was only able to find a part time job. Not knowing what else to do and with small children to feed, they turned to the Hunger Network for help. Without the help of the Hunger Network... Joel says it is not about feeding himself because he could go without.... it is about feeding his children.

Roger is a 62 year old Vietnam War Veteran with service with the US Navy. He served 6 months in Vietnam before he was injured. Once he returned home and for the last 30 year or so, Roger worked in security and did some factory work. Following his wife and father's deaths in the last few year... He took in his 88 year old mother. About 3 years ago... Roger's health took a turn for the worst and now he is unable to work at all. Roger now lives on a fixed income and after rent and utilities... he doesn't have enough money for food for him and his mother. He also turned to the Hunger Network for help. Roger says that the volunteers at the hunger center are so nice and he is thankful every day for the help.

Hearing these 2 stories for the first time this morning, makes me understand even more how important the work of the Hunger Network is because if anyone should receive help... it is those in the military.... just like we depended on them... they depend on us!

It can happen to anyone!

Today we spoke with people in need at the Hunger Network's Parma Hunger Center. The Parma area has been hit very hard with the jobs losses in the auto industry and more. In fact the Parma Hunger center is providing food to 40% more individuals in 2009 then in 2008... That is just incredible.

Of the 8 people we spoke with today 7 of them have lost their jobs in the last year. These are hard working people that never thought they would end up needing help. Two stories in particular were very heart breaking.

Joann is a woman in her late 40s/early 50s. Her husband passed away when her 2 daughters were very young. She was determined to survive and worked 2 jobs to put herself through school and both of her daughters through college. She succeed at all of those things including providing her family with a respectable 4 bedroom home and living a typical middle class life. She has spent last several years in the medical research field. Then in the winter of 2009 her nightmare began. The research she was working was shut down and Joann found herself without a job. Unable to keep up with her mortgage, her house is currently for sale. Joann has done everything she can think of to find a job... She is working with headhunters and has sent out over 500 resumes. Everyone tells her that she has too much experience for them to hire her. Running out of options, she has turned to the Hunger Network for help.

Gary is 49 year old divorced man with a 24 year old child. He has an engineering degree and has worked as a mechanical engineer. Gary has been working since he was 16. He recalls having money taken out of his paychecks to help charities. Just over one year ago, Gary was laid off for the first time in his life. Gary has tried everything to find a job but he also told that he has too much experience. Gary tells them he is will to work for anything just to survive. He currently spends 4-5 hours every day trying to find a job. Gary worries that he only has another month in his apartment. With his unemployment not enough to cover rent, utilities and food... He turned to the Hunger Network of help.

Joann and Gary are not alone... so many people in the greater Cleveland area are suffering. We need your help. Please consider making a donation to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland

THE HUNGERNETWORK LAUNCHES TO STOP HUNGER IN ITS TRACKS WITH OUR NEW & IMPROVED WEBSITE

WELCOME to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's brand new site! The website has undergone a one year re-innovation process, now offering hunger fighters a more interactive experience sharing personal stories, videos, and blogs. This updated site is simple to navigate and provides you easy access to information about us, the latest news, ways you can help, upcoming event information, and ways to receive our help. With the holiday season fast approaching, the Hunger Network is hosting several events to aid those suffering during this special time of the year. View the list of events on our site!
You can help! In this current economic environment, more hungry people are coming to our centers for emergency food than ever before. Our enhanced website presents the convenience of donating online, as well as information regarding ways to volunteer.

Explore our site to learn more about the Hunger Network and its history in the fight against hunger. Our mission is to reduce hunger in the Cuyahoga County community by providing food and linkages to other vital services for hungry people, especially children and families, by actively participating in a coordinated response to people in need. Spread the word and get involved in the fight to stop hunger in its tracks!

Let us know what you think of the new site! Comment and keep logging in for our latest blogs!

A special thank you to 3VERB,Inc., the host of our website, for donating their design, as well as the Hunger Network's Volunteer Marketing Committee for their time and dedication in this one year transformation.
Let us know what you think of the new site. Comment and keep logging in for our latest blogs!

Thank You

The Hunger Network would like to thank everyone that attended Rolling on the River, Friday, October 2nd. This 3rd year event hosted over 250 people and raised over $34,000 for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.

Party goers enjoyed casino style gambling, live music from Jugular Jack, food, wine, beer, silent auction and raffle.

View pictures for the event here: http://cleveland.metromix.com/events/photogallery/cleve-lens-rolling-on/1512606/content

A special thank you to event chair, Tim Carney, and his committee for their dedication to the success of the event. We would also like to thank presenting sponsor, Ferro Corporation, for their continued support.

You won't want to miss this event

Rolling on the River is Friday, October 2nd. A fabulous party to benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland- a Casino themed event complete with food, gaming, live music, beer, wine and an exciting silent auction. Individual Tickets are $60 in advance and $65 at the door. Purchase tickets at www.hungernetwork.org

Welcome to the Hunger Network Blog

On a regular basis check out the Hunger Network blog for updates and information. We encourage comments as well.

The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland Helps Stop Hunger in its Tracks!

Purchase Rolling on the River Tickets

Today is the last day to purchase Rolling on the River tickets for only $50 each. Tomorrow the ticket price will go up to $60 each. Buy your tickets at www.hungernetwork.org

Facts about the Hunger Network

• 60,000 people per month receive emergency food at one of our center or hot meal programs…that is 17,000 more than the capacity of Progressive Field.
  
• 25,000, or forty one percent of those served each month are children.
  
• The Hunger Network serves 6,500,000 meals per year.
• Over 75% of the emergency food in Greater Cleveland is distributed by the Hunger Network.
  
• The Hunger Network purchases food from the food bank and other food wholesalers and then puts that nutritious food directly into the hands of the truly needy.
  
• The Hunger Network pays for 95% of the food it gives to the hungry.
  
• The Hunger Network is an effective and efficient delivery system with centers strategically located throughout Cleveland's neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.
  
• The Hunger Network distributes food at over 100 hunger center pantries and hot meal programs throughout Cuyahoga County.
  
• More than 1000 caring volunteers work in our centers and provide more then just a food to the people we serve.
  
• 94% of the Hunger Network's annual expenses is for program costs, while 5% is for fundraising and .61% is for administrative costs.
  
• The Hunger Network employs 3 full time staff members (Community Liaisons) who perform onsite direct client and agency outreach to connect the hungry to other vital resources including, but not limited to, food stamps, child care, health care, job assistance, rental and utility assistance.