Did You Know....
Posted 08/14/09
…that 1 in 6 of our neighbors in Western North Carolina seeks Emergency Food Assistance in a single year?
…that the statistic above is from data collected in 2005, before the economy went in the tank?
You ask, what does that mean? What is emergency food assistance and how do I make sense of those numbers?
Here’s how:
MANNA FoodBank’s primary objective is acquisition and distribution of food. We work hard every day to bring in tractor trailers of food into our warehouse, and then we send it out to 315 non profits who provide direct service to those seeking food assistance. Of those 315 non profits, approximately half of them are emergency service providers – or – pantries, where you can get a box of food to tide you over for a week or so – soup kitchens, where you can get a hot meal – shelters, etc.
Now you all know what an emergency food provider does; they provide emergency food assistance.
The 1 in 6 statistic (put 20 people in a room, have everyone count off 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and you’ll get the picture much more clearly) was generated from data collected that showed 115,500 different individuals visited an emergency food provider in a single year in WNC!
Susie single mom, after paying rent, utilities, medical bills, and gas for her car to go to work, is now out of money and food. She visits the pantry to get a box so she and her kids can eat. She is the one in six…she is one of the 115,500 people seeking emergency food assistance.
In all likelihood, Susie will have to go back to the pantry again before the year is up.
In all likelihood, there are dozens more Susies out there who weren’t a part of the 115,500 or the 1 in 6 of our neighbors.
MANNA FoodBank wants you to understand what statistics mean. They represent people. They represent very real situations. They are more than just a number. however, the numbers help us to make a case to our lawmakers, our donors, and you, so that you may understand what is actually happening every day in Western North Carolina.
HOWEVER, it is our firmest and most stringent desire that you realize that these numbers aren’t numbers…they are people. They are neighbors. They are students. They are friends…
and you can help. $10 donation to MANNA FoodBank can provide enough food for 25 meals. You can be the difference in Susie’s life.
thanks for listening.
