Is Hunger a Problem in America?
Hunger is a growing problem in America. 35 million people are at risk.

Increasing awareness of the impact of hunger in America is crucial to solving the problem.

Soaring housing prices, the inability to obtain health insurance and rising gasoline prices are putting tremendous financial pressure on Americans even in two income families. Oftentimes, skipping meals is the only solution to making ends meet. The people who count on food banks and social service agencies for food aren’t just families who live below the poverty line; they are folks who are working hard and are still unable to put food on the table for the entire month.

Among the 35 million of our fellow citizens at risk for hunger, nearly 12 million are children. Our great nation can and should do more for our most vulnerable citizens. Every individual has the power to make a difference and help solve this problem.

Take Action - Spread the word to educate others about the issue – your family, your community, and your elected officials.

1. ADVOCATE - Although hunger is a widespread problem in the United States, it is truly a solvable problem. Ending hunger requires a national commitment and public/private partnerships. The charitable sector alone cannot solve the problem of hunger. Many of the policy decisions regarding hunger exceed the resources of non profit organizations. Therefore, it is important to let your elected representatives at the local, state, and national level know that you are concerned about hunger and poverty in America. Support legislation that will help improve the lives of hungry Americans by sending a letter to your elected officials. Visit http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home to contact your Senator and U.S. Representative to advocate for hungry Americans.
   
   
2. VOLUNTEER - There are many different ways to volunteer. You can help out in your community through activities such as tutoring kids at your local Boys and Girls Club, repackaging donated food for use at food pantries, or transporting food to charitable agencies and the hungry people who use their services. Search for volunteer opportunities in your local community at: www.secondharvest.org, www.volunteermatch.org or www.servenet.org
   
   
3. DON’T HAVE TIME? Consider a tax-deductible donation. Helping 35 million people starts with the generosity of one person...You. 100% of all donations to the Sodexo Foundation help fight hunger in the United States. 0% is used for salaries, marketing, or any other administrative cost. Make a donation today.
   
   

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Hunger and the Recent Elections
Recent exit polls conducted on November 7, 2006 by McLaughlin & Associates, a national survey research and strategic services company, indicated that Americans are very concerned about hunger and poverty.  Among the findings of the poll:

• Three-in-five midterm voters (61%) say that political candidates’ focus on hunger and poverty issues during the 2006 election was inadequate.
• Three quarters of the midterm electorate (73%) approve of an expanded effort to reduce hunger, regardless of the increase in federal expenditure.
• Two-thirds of midterm voters (65%) say that a candidate’s stand on hunger and poverty issues was “important” to how they cast their votes this year .
• By a 4-1 margin (80%), midterm voters say that a presidential contender’s stand on hunger and poverty issues is important to how they’ll vote in the 2008 presidential election.

To view the entire report, visit Election Exit Poll Report

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November 12 – 18 marks National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

During this week, communities and cities across the nation engage in activities to increase awareness of homelessness.

The homeless represent a growing population that remains largely invisible to most Americans. Last year, USA Today reported over 800,000 homeless people in our country and that nearly half of them are families and a third are children. More than 35 million Americans are food insecure and 12.4 million are children.

The plight of those without a home is a lonely and difficult existence. Homelessness means living daily with instability, extreme poverty, social isolation, increased hunger and health risks, and a profound sense of hopelessness.

Many families live on the brink of poverty because they do not have a financial safety net. Should unexpected circumstances arise, such as unemployment, loss of a loved one, natural disaster, uncovered medical expenses - they would immediately be in a state of crisis, with some falling into the trap of homelessness.

Climbing out of homelessness is impossible without adequate resources. In order to secure needed resources, communities need to be more aware of the problem. National events such as the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon on November 18th, may help people realize the magnitude of this growing national tragedy.

Here's how you can help:

• Walk in the 19th Annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon on November 18th, which will be held on the DC National Mall. You can register online at: http://www.helpthehomelessdc.org/
• Volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or food pantry to serve or sort food
• Involve your family, church, school or community in collecting food or clothing for the homeless
• Volunteer to help on a build with your local Habitat for Humanity
• Give up a treat for a day and donate the $ to a local food pantry so they can buy basic food necessities.

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Year end planning; there is still time to give.
At a time of the year when we are celebrating with family, friends and food, please consider making a year-end charitable gift to the Sodexo Foundation. You can receive a break on your 2006 taxes and at the same support the Sodexo Foundation to address the root causes of hunger. Investing in your community through charitable donations can be an important part of your financial portfolio.

Donate Online
It is easy and safe to donate online by making a credit card donation. 100% of your donation is used to support the fight against hunger. 0% is used for administrative costs or salaries.

Check or Money Order
If you prefer to make your donation by mail please send your check or money order, made payable to Sodexo Foundation, to:

Sodexo Foundation
9801 Washingtonian Blvd. Suite 1425
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

The Sodexo Foundation does not share donor names or information with other organizations. We do not sell or trade name lists.

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USDA Releases 2005 Food Insecurity Numbers
On November 15, 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA) released the food insecurity numbers for 2005, nationally and by state.  Nationally, the number is 35.1 million. The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national organization working for more effective public and private policies to eradicate domestic hunger and undernutrition.  FRAC’s press release, along with a chart of state numbers can be found at www.frac.org/Press_Release/11.15.06.html.

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Sodexo Foundation’s Mission
The Sodexo Foundation’s mission is to be a driving and creative force that contributes to a hunger-free nation. In order to pursue our mission of creating a hunger-free nation, we seek to address the root causes of hunger. Therefore, we support initiatives that help break the cycle of poverty such as: Food Delivery and Donations, Job Training, Housing, Education/School Readiness and Scholarships and Public Policy.

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