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.