Hunger Banquet

According to the World Food Programme, 821 million or one in nine people do not have enough food to live healthy, active lives. 

“The world produces more than enough food to feed everyone, yet each night more than 820 million people go to bed on an empty stomach. And roughly one in three people suffer from some form of malnutrition.”

https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/issues/hunger-and-famine/

In 2018, 14.3 million American households were food insecure with limited or uncertain access to enough food. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020, including a potential 18 million children. ^[2]

The coronavirus pandemic has left millions of families without stable employment. More than 54 million people, including 18 million children, may experience food insecurity in 2020. ^[9]

Nationally, more than 54 million people, including 18 million children, may experience food insecurity because of  COVID-19. ^[16]

Texas is ranked 2nd in the nation for food insecurity with 1 in 6 living in food-insecure homes.^[1]

In 2018, the food insecurity rate in Texas was 15% which estimated to about 4.3 million people. ^[13]

Additionally, the projected overall food insecurity rate for Texas altogether in 2020 is 20.2%. ^[15]

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, in 2018, Bexar County’s food insecurity rate was 14.1%. Meaning 271,790 people were food insecure.^[3]

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the projected overall food insecurity rate for Bexar County in 2020 is 19.6%, compared to 14.1% in 2018. ^[14]

In 2018, the percentage of obesity in San Antonio was estimated to be from anywhere between 30.2% to 45.1%.^[4]

In Bexar County, one in four children doesn’t know where they will find their next meal. ^[5]

The San Antonio Food Bank reported that 46% of their clients work and still cannot afford food. ^[6]

According to the Real College Survey from Fall 2019 42% of responding SPC students reported they were food insecure within the last 30 days. 68% reported they experienced one form of basic needs insecurity in the last year.

The San Antonio Food Bank tells us that Texas is the second most food insecure state in the nation with one in six people living in food-insecure homes.

Last year the St. Philip’s family 1,500 pounds of food during the Hunger Banquet food drive

“I use the food pantry because I don’t have money to buy breakfast for myself. This is a easy and simple solution for me since it is located at school also.” – Gloria Flores (Pre-Nursing)

“The Grab ‘N Go has helped me save money on food. It feeds me when I have no money. It gets me through the day.” – Alexis Sweeten (Hospitality Management)

“Last week we fed about 80,000 people, and we are projected to feed well over 120,000 people this week,” said Eric Cooper, CEO of San Antonio Food Bank. “But we are moving through a lot of food, and we’re a little anxious that the demand is outpacing the supply.

https://www.sacurrent.com/Flavor/archives/2020/03/23/san-antonio-food-bank-others-ask-for-emergency-assistance-during-coronavirus-pandemic