America's Second Harvest recently issued a national appeal for support from corporations and individuals as it is projecting a food shortage of 15 million pounds (equal to 11.7 million meals) by the end of the year.
Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of America's Second Harvest, said, "Our food banks across the country are reporting significant increases in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance. We are very concerned that we will not have enough food to feed everyone who needs help. Therefore, there is a critical need for donations from the general public and corporate America."
In addition, the article "Food Banks, in a Squeeze, Tighten Belts" from The New York Times highlights the challenges facing many food banks across the United States of a decreased supply of food at the same time that demand for food is rising. For example, the article reports on the situation in New Hampshire:
For two weeks this month, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed supplies reserved for emergency relief. Demand for food here is up 40 percent over last year and supply is down 30 percent, which is striking in the state with the lowest reliance on food banks.
For more information:
- America's Second Harvest Issues National Call for Immediate Support (America's Second Harvest)
- Food Banks, in a Squeeze, Tighten Belts (The New York Times)
Update [12/08]: The December 8, 2007 edition of The Washington Post has a front page article on this issue - Cupboards Are Bare at Food Banks.
