The Hunger of Children
The effects of hunger on a child can be devastating. Hunger can stunt physical growth, hinder brain development and often impedes social maturity. Children, in general, have greater nutritional needs than does an adult due to the rapid growth they experience.

Having enough food is hardly the problem. If children do not get the right food their bodies will suffer. Childhood obesity problems often accompany children whose main diets consist of fats, salts and empty calories.

Children need fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and protein to develop both physically and mentally. Protein is the most expensive part of the diet – and because of this is often left out. Anti-oxidants and other trace minerals – found in leafy green and orange vegetables is an important part of a balanced diet.

36,000 children in Western North Carolina live in a household that experiences sufficient enough need to turn to emergency food programs. This number comes from Hunger in America 2006 – the largest and most comprehensive study of hunger and nutritional problems in the history of the United States. It provides authoritative and statistically valid data on the national charitable response to hunger and the people served by private hunger-relief agencies.

In Western North Carolina the study is based on surveys of 229 clients interviewed at emergency food providers and 219 partner agencies surveyed on 348 different programs -- taken during the Spring and Summer of 2005.

The Reason for Hungry Children and Families
Too often the effects of a plant closing or family member losing their job can cause devastating effects on a family. Each day well meaning and productive people lose their source of income as they are subject to forces beyond their control. When this happens they are less certain where the next meal will come from.

53% of households facing hunger must choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel – this is higher than the North Carolina average total figure of 49% and US total figure at 42%.

It is common for these families to have at least one member with health challenges. In Western North Carolina, 46% of clients report someone in poor health, while in the rest of North Carolina 36% are in poor health and nationally the figure is 29%.

It is hard to admit that hunger exists in your community - let alone in your own family. Because of this too many children will suffer malnutrition. Pride is a bad reason to let your family go hungry. Assistance is available in the form of Food stamps and FoodBanks.

Getting Help
Despite this information and the fact that America’s Second Harvest have tried to reverse these feelings – Pride remains one of the biggest hindrances to someone getting the nutrition they need.

The Hunger Study in Western North Carolina found that just 37% of clients visiting emergency food providers were receiving food stamp program benefits. It is likely that many more are eligible. In NC, 49% of eligible people received food – but still 51% of those that need the food go hungry.

The Food Stamp Program is intended to be the safety net that prevents people in poverty from facing food insecurity and hunger.

If you do need food simply Call 828-299-3663. If you live in Buncombe, Henderson, or Haywood county Call 211. This will connect you with MANNA – and they will help you find a food shelter near you.

Contact Information

MANNA FOODBANK
627 Swannanoa River Road
Asheville, NC 28805-2445
Phone 828-299-3663
Fax 828-299-3664
Email mannafb@secondharvest.org

FRANKLIN BRANCH
509 Depot Street
PO Box 1583
Franklin, NC 28734
Phone 828-369-2550
Fax 828-369-7773

The Report – http://www.mannafoodbank.org/hungerreport/hungerreport.html