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Food Pantries Struggling To Meet Growing Demand

Monday, March 31, 2008 12:09:03 AM
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More Americans are struggling in these economic times. However, the nation's food pantries are also struggling to meet the growing demand for help.

The Second Harvest Food Bank said they're seeing huge increases in the number of people coming to their sites for food, from 20 percent increases in some areas to as high as 70 percent.

Part of the problem is donations are way down, but Second Harvest said it's also not getting the support it used to get from the federal government.

Food banks used to get $240 million in surplus food every year. They now get only $58 million.

The USDA said it is still providing millions of dollars in cash, but admits its food contribution is way down.

“In large part because U.S. agricultural markets are strong and we've seen an increased demand for U.S. agricultural exports,” said Kate Houston, the USDA Deputy Under Secretary.

Food banks are watching a farm bill that is being debated in Congress, which includes huge funding increases for food banks.

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