Hunger in Washington State

Who is poor and hungry in Washington state?

• WASHINGTON STATE HAS THE SECOND WORST LEVEL OF HUNGER IN THE NATION. (CENTER ON HUNGER AND POVERTY AT BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY IN MASSACHUSETTS)

• 1 IN 8 WASHINGTON HOUSEHOLDS IS ALREADY HUNGRY OR AT RISK. (USDA REPORT, 10/2000)

• 17% OF THE PEOPLE RECEIVING FOOD FROM NORTHWEST HARVEST IN WASHINGTON ARE SENIORS.

• 41% OF THE PEOPLE RECEIVING FOOD FROM NORTHWEST HARVEST IN WASHINGTON ARE CHILDREN

• MORE THAN 75% OF AMERICAS POOR CHILDREN LIVE IN WORKING FAMILIES (CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND REPORT 9/2000)

• 630,000 PEOPLE ARE VISITING NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD BANKS IN WASHINGTON STATE. (FOOD LIFELINE, 2002)

• THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME FOR 75% OF THOSE VISITING FOOD BANKS IN THE STATE IS A JOB, RETIREMENT, OR DISABILITY. (FOOD LIFELINE, 2002)

• AS COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, 50% MORE FOOD BANK RECIPIENTS IN WESTERN WASHINGTON HAVE POST-HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION. (FOOD LIFELINE, 2002)