Summary Results of Local Impact Survey
America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network became Feeding America in September, 2008. This study was published prior to that name change in May, 2008.
Conducted Late April – Early May 2008
- 99% (98.89%) of food bank respondents stated that they have experienced an increase in the number of clients served within the past year. Food banks cite as contributing factors:
- 92.78% the rising cost of fuel
- 91.67% the rising cost of food
- 46.11% mortgage or rent issues
- 43.33% rising unemployment
- 42.22% rising underemployment
- 31.11% the inadequacy of food stamps
- The increase in the number of clients is estimated at 15% to 20%.
- 81.11% of surveyed food banks have indicated that they are currently unable to adequately meet the demand without having to reduce the amount of food or their operations.
- 54.79% stated that their agencies already have or are considering reducing the amount of food offered to clients.
- 48.63% of these food banks already have or are considering reducing the variety of food offered to agencies.
- 45.21% of these food banks responded that they already have or are considering diverting budgeted funds from other areas to purchase food.
- 43.84% of these food banks stated that they already have or are considering reducing the amount of food offered to agencies in order to meet demand.
- 27.4% of these food banks responded that some of their agencies already have or are considering reducing the number of new households they will serve.
- 13.7% of these food banks responded that they already have or are considering reducing or suspending programs and services offered.
> Local results reports from member food banks are available.
