Number of Pennsylvanians Seeking Food Assistance Remains Constant

Despite unprecedented prosperity, the number of people receiving charitable food assistance in Pennsylvania is virtually unchanged.

That is the key finding of Hunger Action's October 2000 survey of food pantries and cupboards across the Commonwealth. Eighty-one local charities participated in the study by reporting the number of households who received grocery distributions. The study includes data from October 1999 and October 2000.

Averaged across the state, the survey shows that during October 2000 a typical charity provided a food package to 139 households, thus serving 337 household members. This is virtually the same number of households served in October 1999 when slightly more individuals (339 per charity) were served.

The charities that participated in the survey constitute 6 percent of the approximately 1,300 charities across Pennsylvania that regularly distribute food to the needy. Assuming the 81 study participants are representative of the entire group, 438,000 Pennsylvanians received food assistance during October.

"The most common question asked by members of the general public - and by policymakers in government - is whether we are making any headway in reducing hunger and food insecurity," said Berry Friesen, executive director of Hunger Action. "This study gives us a partial answer."

Different parts of the state reported somewhat varied results. The largest increase in the number of people served (13 percent) occurred in Allegheny County. Charities from rural counties experienced a 3 percent increase in persons served, and Philadelphia County a 1 percent increase. On the other hand, suburban counties and counties that include both urban and rural communities saw decreases of 10 percent and 6 percent respectively.

Karen Wilson, coordinator of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, commented on the results of the study: "Pennsylvania is such a very diverse state that it is difficult to generalize statewide. What we hear from those on the frontlines is that they are seeing more working families than ever before. Working families often cannot make ends meet and must rely on emergency food as a supplement to their food budget."

Michelle Gair, director of the Salvation Army Food Bank in Williamsport, said: "In north central Pennsylvania, pantries have recorded not only a record number of people coming for food, but also for utility and mortgage assistance. Though the economy may be improving, this trend has not affected the poorest in our area."

The study will be repeated in future years in an effort to track this crucial indicator of food security. Ultimately, the study's significance will be found in how policymakers respond. Joyce Rothermel, executive director of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne, states: "We know the need for emergency food distribution goes up when the economy turns down. If our economic system is working correctly, the reverse also should be true, and charities should be seeing a decline in need during this period of low unemployment, dropping welfare rolls and general prosperity. That isn't the case, and that should be a concern to all of us."

Unspent $$$$

At the end of September 2000, Pennsylvania’s unspent TANF balance was $737 million. That’s an increase of $437 million during the federal year just concluded, and means Pennsylvania spent just 41 percent of its FFY 2000 TANF allocation.

Berry Friesen, PA Hunger Action Center, December, 2000

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