Hunger Continues, USDA Reacts

October 15, 1999

Hunger continues to be "a widespread problem" in the United States, said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, in announcing new anti-hunger efforts by government, non-profit groups and the business community.

Glickman released data showing that 4.6-15.1% of households in every state and the District of Columbia either are hungry or threatened by hunger. New Mexico, Mississippi and Texas have the highest rates of food insecurity; North Dakota, Massachusetts and South Dakota have the lowest rates.

Nearly $5 million in USDA grants will go to community food projects and food assistance and nutrition research, said Glickman. Hewlett-Packard, in partnership with Second Harvest, will install and operate a new web-based system called "Resourcelink" to link growers, manufacturers, processors and distributors with the Second Harvest's 188 food banks and 26 million customers, and provide no-cost or low-cost transportation.

The non-profit Fienstein Foundation will provide $1 million in matching funds for anti-hunger and community food security efforts. And the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, WI, will improve community food security in that city through development of a new public market, a kitchen incubator project and a small business program as well as expanding federal nutrition program outreach. Boston will distribute $115,000 in summer food grants to 91 food pantries and provide support for the Long Island Shelter farm where produce is used and sold at two local farmers' markets.