INQUIRER: HUNGER GRIPS PA.'S FIRST DISTRICT, REPORT FINDS

A report released last week by FRAC ( the Food Research and Action Center) shocked many with its news of the increased impact of hunger on families in this country, but especially in Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, which includes Kensington, parts of North and South Philadelphia, and Chester. PA's First Congressional District ranks as the second hungriest place for families in the US, with half of the families in the district reporting not having enough to eat.

This sobering report encourages us to stay awake to the problem of hunger in our communities, especially here in the City. It also draws attention to the pending legislation/actions in the US Congress that could effect the ring of protection, the safety net supports to those struggling with economic need.

Stay awake is the message! Write to congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle encouraging wisdom and restraint. Write, call, email. Take action and read the complete Inquirer article here...

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The emotional effects of hunger on children

Sometimes Al Lubrano's articles on hunger are printed so close together - we forget to share them here with you. Thankfully, the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger keeps track of all the articles on hunger and posts them on their website. Click here to read the stories of children in the area who are noticing their parents' sacrifices.

In addition to personal stories of hungry families, Al explores how these families' budgets compare to others around the country and around the world. Ironically, families who are food insecure are spending a HIGHER percentage of their income than most people on food.

Many anti-hunger organizations promote the concept of a food stamp challenge. Perhaps another approach towards better understanding the realities of a low-income budget would involve doubling or even tripling our monthly food budget - setting that extra money aside - and then seeing what other things we would have to go without if we were actually required to spend all of that money on food.