Hunger facts

Hunger is a significant problem year-round in every community across the United States, from cities to suburbs to rural small towns.  In 2005 alone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 35 million people lived in food-insecure households, including 12.4 million children. 

The faces of hunger are real. Hunger does not discriminate based on age, race, or gender. Largely unnoticed, 85,000 people in the Tri-State served by the HAFB monthly still struggle to keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, and put food on the table.

While hunger is a widespread problem, it is unique in that it is truly a solvable problem.  The resources exist.  The United States is the largest and most efficient food producer in the world. 

• The percentage of poverty in the food bank's service area is 19.7%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is substantially higher than the national average of 12.7%.

WV Poverty Information (PDF)
OH Poverty Information (PDF)
KY Poverty Information (PDF)

"In the wealthiest country in the world, we have families in our own backyards that must choose to pay the rent/mortgage or feed their families. This is unacceptable and we must work together to change these unfortunate circumstances" said Jon Rickey, Executive Director.

What are the implications of high hunger rates?
The ability to obtain enough food for an active, healthy life is the most basic of human needs. Food insecure households cannot achieve this fundamental element of well-being. They are the ones in our country most likely to be hungry, undernourished, and in poor health, and the ones most in need of assistance. A high number of food insecure households in a nation with our economic plenty means that the fruits of our economy, and the benefits of public and private programs for needy people, are not yet reaching millions of low-income people who are at great risk.

The Huntington Area Food Bank
1327 7th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701

Phone: 304-523-6029
Fax: 304-523-6086
Email: hafbmail@hafb.org