Hunger in Contra Costa County

What’s it like to go to bed hungry? Have you ever had to tell your family that there is not enough food to go around? How do you feed a family for a month, when your paycheck is barely enough to cover the rent? These are questions many families are wrestling with across the nation and in Contra Costa County. Some of us will never experience hunger, but for many it’s a daily reality. Forty-nine million or 15% of Americans struggle with hunger each year. Hunger is around us every day. The hungry include children in our neighborhood schools, coworkers and neighbor. The number of people in need of food has increased over 46% since 2006, according to figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2009. That means 17.2 million children are at risk of experiencing hunger at some point this year.

Reality is that hunger exists right here in Contra Costa County. Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa feeds the hungry of Contra Costa. Our five dining rooms are full everyday with people who need a nutritious meal to fill their stomach. For some of our clients it is their first visit, while for others hunger is a daily part of life. The demand on our services has increased dramatically since 2008. Who are we feeding? 37% are homeless, 43% rent, and 5% own their own home. The majority are over 50 years old and unemployed. Contra Costa unemployment is at 11% compared to the national average of 9%, so times are especially difficult in Contra Costa County. The age group of 50 and above have been affected the most by today’s economic crisis. Bankruptcy filings for people 65 and older have more than doubled in the past 20 years, according to the National Consumer Bankruptcy Project."For the elderly, the cost of living has gone up, but their income hasn't changed," said Eileen Thomas, who directs the River City Food Bank in Sacramento. "They probably have more pride than anybody else. It's difficult for them to say, 'I need help.' " It is also not uncommon to see children and teens visiting the Loaves and Fishes dining rooms; 16% of our clients are under the age of 18. During the summer months this number is even higher.

Loaves and Fishes addresses hunger by offering a hot nutritious meal Monday - Friday to anyone who is hungry. We are doing everything we can to keep up with the demand for our services. We have never turned anyone away for a hot meal and we don’t plan to. Hunger is right here in Contra Costa County. Please donate to Loaves and Fishes today, or call 925-687-6760 to find out how you can volunteer with us.