February 28, 2006 > Hungry in Alameda County

by Kari Martell

As part of a national study, new research shows that each week, 40,000 Alameda County residents, including 16,000 children and 6,144 seniors over age 50, receive emergency food assistance from the Alameda County Community Food Bank's network of pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

"It's a sad fact that more children and seniors in our community are missing meals," said Suzan Bateson, executive director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank. "Additionally, earning a steady paycheck isn't enough to keep many families out of food lines. Nearly 40% of our client households have at least one employed family member."

Since children and seniors are most vulnerable to hunger, the Alameda County Community Food Bank suggests that we address the root causes of hunger to alleviating hunger in the community. By building affordable communities and expanding child nutrition programs, we can assist more people in need and enhance existing services.

For more information contact Kari Martell, (510) 635-3663, ext. 330 or online at www.accfb.org.