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.