Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am reaching out with an urgent plea for support. Our community is facing significant challenges, and your help is more important than ever. Recently, we’ve seen food insecurity rates rise to higher levels than before the pandemic. Today, 1 out of every 8 of neighbors struggles to maintain access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
The rising cost of food has made this issue even more pressing. Prices have increased substantially, making it harder for families to afford the meals they need. The cost per meal for a person facing food insecurity in Middle and West Tennessee has risen to $3.99, which is an increase of 8.5% since last year and a 24% increase since 2019. This additional financial burden means that people who were already struggling now find it even more difficult to make ends meet. At Second Harvest we provide 4 meals for every dollar – even at times of record high inflation – stretching your impact as far as possible.
One of the most troubling aspects of the ongoing food insecurity crisis is that many people facing hunger are not eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation’s largest food assistance program. In our area, more than half of the individuals who need food assistance do not qualify for SNAP because their income is slightly above the threshold. These families earn just barely too much to receive government assistance, yet don’t have enough to cover all their basic needs. Second Harvest is needed now more than ever, because 55% of the people facing hunger in our community are not able to turn to SNAP for help.
Your support is vital. They enable us to empower families and individuals with nourishing foods so that they can thrive. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sincerely,
Nancy Keil
President and CEO