Alaska is #2 for Hunger in the United States.
20 11 2009During the campaign season, and before she quit, Sarah Palin talked about getting Alaska’s natural gas to “hungry markets.” But there are other “hungry markets” that have a more pressing need this year. The Daily Beast reports which states have the most disproportionate hunger problems. The results are not good for Alaska.
To compile our ranking, we assigned points for each state, plus the District of Columbia, based on how it performed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranking of hunger, with 51 points for the worst state, Mississippi, and 1 point for the best state, North Dakota. We then made the same assignments based on Census calculations of the median family income in each state.
1. Colorado
2. Alaska
3. Oregon
4. Connecticut
5. Utah
6. Nevada
7. Vermont
8. Maine
9. Missouri
10. Oklahoma
11. Texas
12. Georgia
13. Ohio
14. Washington
15. Mississippi
16. Iowa
17. Alabama
18. California
19. Kansas
20. Arizona
21. Arkansas
22. South Carolina
23. Florida
24. Michigan
25. New Mexico
26. Rhode Island
27. Tennessee
28. District of Columbia
29. Maryland
30. Minnesota
31. New York
32. Montana
33. West Virginia
34. North Carolina
35. Kentucky
36. Pennsylvania
37. Illinois
38. New Hampshire
39. Indiana
40. Massachusetts
41. South Dakota
42. New Jersey
43. Nebraska
44. Delaware
45. Wisconsin
46. Idaho
47. Virginia
48. Louisiana
49. Hawaii
50. Wyoming
51. North Dakota“The bottom line is always political will,” says Kathy Underhill, executive director of the Colorado Coalition to End Hunger. “As a state, it’s where you put your resources.”
In my “preaching to the choir” moment, I wonder why the political issues that rile people up to action include gay marriage, teaching creationism in schools, curtailing women’s reproductive rights, moving “In God We Trust” to the edge of coins, and protesting to prevent health care reform.
Where are the demonstrations in Colorado and Alaska and Utah and Oregon and Connecticut and the rest of the states that say hunger, in this country, is not acceptable? This year, with difficult economic times faced by all, things will only get worse and the needs of local food banks will increase. There are many places to donate your time and money, but I encourage you to visit the website of Kids’ Kitchen. It’s an amazing story of one man who has really made a difference in the lives of Anchorage’s children.
Elgin Jones has no government funding, but from the sweat of his brow and the goodness of his heart he has served more than 600,000 meals to children in the Spenard, Fairview, Mountainview and Muldoon neighborhoods since 1996. If you are ever looking for a worthwhile place to donate what you can, consider helping some Alaskan kids who would otherwise go hungry. You can make a monetary donation, or donate food or gift cards to grocery stores.
No child should be hungry, in any state.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:15 AM
this makes me very very sad
November 20th, 2009 at 10:16 AM
That is stunning about CT, since so many Wall St pigs with their taxpayer-financed bonuses live in Greenwich and the areas around that, but maybe that’s why the rest of the state has problems… Oregon, I’m a little surprised about, but know they’ve been hit hard economically. The other states are pretty red and have been trained to vote against their economic interests.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Maybe the Palin’s could donate a season’s salmon catch to the hungry kids in Alaska.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:20 AM
It is so easy when we are spending some much on food for the holidays to put one thing back on the shelf and pick up a donation card at the cash register. It even shows up on your receipt as a donation for tax records.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:30 AM
#1 fawnskin, it’s not only sad, it’s shameful.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:33 AM
In my corner of Oregon (OR’s unemployment rate is high), we are trying hard to alleviate hunger. There are a lot of non-profit and church programs that provide food. My church has a food bank that members donate food and money to, we had a garden this year to give out fresh veggies and are planting an orchard for future fruit production (unfortunately in our area the growing season is very short). We also participate with other churches to provide dinners twice a week and sack lunches on Saturdays. And a member has started a “backpacks” program that sends home non-perishable food home with needy kids on Fridays. We also help support a homeless shelter with food. There are lots of other groups doing the same. It’s a constant struggle. But in the “richest country in the world” it’s shameful that people go without food, shelter and health care.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Amen to your outrage. It is unconscionable.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I was impressed with a couple shopping at Costco the other day. They were discussing that they only needed a few cans of something, but decided to purchase the case, and give the rest to the FoodBank. That IS a great idea. Thank you for reminding us of Kid’s Kitchen. I checked out their list of foods they consume, so now I know what to put on my next Costco shopping list.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:52 AM
In Anchorage, from time to time I’ll call up Bean’s Cafe and ask them what they need. Thanks for the reminder. It is always a good idea to call first; the last thing any of these wonderful organizations need is stuff they don’t need.
Emmonak Womens’ Shelter is a good rural Alaska organization. They can always use pilot bread.
Food Bank of Alaska could really use contributions. If you just give them money they can do the rest.
There are many options.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Why do you accept these absurd calculation by “The Daily Beast?” Please read the original USDA report. Here’s the web address (I don’t know hoe to insert a link.)
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR83/ERR83.pdf
I refer you to table 8 on page 21. In Alaska, for example, the percentage of people with “Food Insecurity” is below the national average, and it was lower while Plain was governor than under her predecessor. It was one of the few states in which food insecurity dropped in the 2006-08 period compared to the 2003-05 period.
I voted for Obama; I’m not fond of Palin. But why do you have to make stuff up to slam her?
Umm. I’m not slamming her. I’m using the metaphor of “hungry markets” to illustrate the ones I think are more important. The actual hunger. If you click the link to The Daily Beast, you’ll see exactly how they came up with the numbers that they did, and see that they also link back to the original report for those who want to see it. I didn’t blame her for anything regarding this. And “making stuff up?” Them’s fightin’ words!
AKM
November 20th, 2009 at 11:17 AM
With the distractions of almost 8 years of war, and the new war on healthcare, we have missed so many issues that need to be addressed. I think we have much more to fear from apathy and neglect than any terrorist. Bring them home, spend the money and energy here.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
#6 Hannah Says:
November 20th, 2009 at 10:33 AM
====
That is a clever idea–I’m going to tell my local food bank about that. One of the firms I do work for had a food drive in conjunction with a contest after a freak freeze a few years ago that put a lot of ag workers in our county out of work. People were very generous in better economic times, but I’m going to discuss having another food drive as many people have second homes here and will be coming to celebrate with their families.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I too live in Oregon, and we have been hit hard with unemployment and I know people are hurting. What we’ve been doing is encouraging people in our social networks to bring along two cans of food when gathering for a party or event. It’s a great way get involved, especially during the holiday season when there are so many events and also so much need for food. The halloween party I attended in October netted several hundred pounds for the food bank.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:29 AM
I’ve sent some various non-perishables north to Alaska and normally use the flat-rate boxes ($10.35 and $14.35). Buying in bulk at Sam’s can make a difference for so many. Other items were too big to fit into the PO-provided boxes, so I was able to wrap them with brown paper and send parcel post.
Some of the items compiled from a list provided to me are these:
Any/All Condiments & Spices
Self-Rising Flour
Peanut Butter
Coffee
Biscuit/Muffin/Pancake Mix
Jellies & Jams
Sugar
Cornmeal
Pancake Syrup
Powdered Creamer
Breadcrumbs
Mayonnaise
Hot Cocoa Mix
Instant Oatmeal
Pastas
Powdered Nonfat Dry Milk
Dry Cereal
Rice
Kool-Aid or Juice Packets
Soup Packets
Instant Potatoes
Top Ramen
Spaghetti Sauce
Polish/Summer/Processed Sausage & Other Processed Meats
Mac’N’Cheese
Margarine/Butter Tubs
Velveeta Blocks
Diapers
Canned Fruits, Tuna, Veggies, Beans
Wet Ones
Toilet Tissue
Candles
If you have not read Ann Stronghearts “Shopping Day In Nunam Iqua”, I highly recommend it. Unless we have lived as Ann and other villages do in these remote areas, we haven’t a clue just how difficult a shopping trip can be……but even more so, how limited and EXPENSIVE the items are.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/shoppin-day-in-nunam-iquq/
November 20th, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Oops – villages = villagers
November 20th, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Thanks for the link to Kid’s Kitchen.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Thank you, akm. I seem to be living in a lucky area, as my state (Illinois) is somewhat removed from the top of a bad list for once. But, our small county is quite agricultural. There was far too much rain this summer, and crops were not good for many. This means hunger.
I don’t know how we do it, but our county’s church populations banded together and formed a food bank at one church centrally located in the county. There is no fussing, no infighting. Just people helping people who need it right now. Period.
We do what we can around here, because we know that someday we will need help as well. I never thought of mailing food, but I will do so next week. What a grand idea! Himself and I are lucky, and can send out a package or two.
Thank you for sharing the link, and thanks to the poster for sharing the list of foodstuff’s needed for Nunam Iqua.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:53 AM
#6 Hannah and #12 nswfm CA,
A local Anchorage group is doing a children’s backpack program. In addition to what AKM mentioned in her posting, the Children’s Lunchbox program is affiliated with Bean’s Cafe.
Here’s a brief description of one of the children’s programs:
In September 2008 The Children’s Lunchbox launched a pilot program dubbed “Just a Little Extra”. Many children rely on the free or reduced breakfast and lunch program at school but where/what do they eat on the weekends?
Just A Little Extra provides a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner (with enough food to provide at least four meals – sometimes five!) for children to take home every Friday. Current funding allows us to provide food for 361 children at Mountain View Elementary. But many more children in our community are in need of additional nutrition.
**************************************************
Bean’s Cafe: http://beanscafe.org/
Click on “ways to help”
Children’s Lunchbox: http://www.thechildrenslunchbox.org/
Click on “What we do” and see the “Donate ” button (it doesn’t seem to work from all pages)
November 20th, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Here is a good anthem for the current political climate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W8Jp7aCMtg
I don’t mind stealing bread
From the mouths of decadents
But I can’t feed on the powerless
When my cup’s already overfilled, Yeahhhh
But it’s on the table
The fire is cooking
And they’re farming babies
While slaves are working
Blood is on the table
And their mouths are choking
But I’m going hungry
I don’t mind stealing bread
From the mouths of decadents
But I can’t feed on the powerless
When my cup’s already overfilled
But it’s on the table
The fires cooking
And they’re farming babies
While the slaves are all working
And it’s on the table
Their mouths are choking
But I’m going hungry
I’m going hungry
(lyrics – Chris Cornell, sung by Eddie Vedder & Chris Cornell)
November 20th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Costco could consider making things easy for us by having a donation bin just outside the store exit. I’d buy something extra for that each time I shopped.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:26 PM
John:
I like your idea.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:41 PM
O/T NEWS ALERT! Palin quit a book signing in Indiana!
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/20/palin-angry-book/#comments
November 20th, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Sorry, cleaned up the link:
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/20/palin-angry-book/
November 20th, 2009 at 12:47 PM
We don’t hear these children crying because the Banksters are louder and get media coverage. We hear the Bankster on Wall Street crying for more perks and bonuses.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
In our local Food Land they were asking for $5.00 donations for our local community to help the disadvantaged. I felt bad I didn’t have the $5.00. But next week I will put in $10.00. Each $5.00 donation buys a bag off food. We should all give to our local communities. When I worked for the priest on a military base in Maryland they had a tradition at the children mass during communion that some may want to bring up at their churchs. While the priest is preparing communion they play a children’s song and the have a large cloths basket at the alter. The children of all ages can bring up can goods. They do this every week. You be surprised how helpful the items are. We were able to help people of other denominations. We had one civilian lady that worked at the base who’s house burnt down and were able to help her in the short time. Every church in the community can raise food to help the community. It really does work. Our chaplain gave to who ever needed it and he didn’t give any preaching service. They isn’t what the person need at that moment.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:11 PM
squaring the rankings of one study and dividing it by the rankings of another study, seems like a very poor methodology. Nate Silver would not be proud. The main problem is that the rankings have no intrinsic value. Even if the 1st state is very close to the 20th state that could not be expressed in this formula. It’s like saying the person who got the silver medal is only half the athlete of the person with a gold medal even though their times are 1/100th of a second different. The conclusions may be correct, but that is not good social science.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:26 PM
AKM..This really hurts… Thanks for all you do and getting this message out…I will be doing my part for the Food pantry n my area…Hove a nice weekend everyone…
November 20th, 2009 at 1:27 PM
“have” sorry
November 20th, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Regardless of what study one wants to follow, the bottom line is that THERE IS HUNGER in this country and it is shameful that it is happening. No matter where any state ranks in any list, it is inexcusable for any person to be in need of basic subsistance.
I hope more and more organizations will step up and start collecting money and/or goods to be donated to local foodbanks.
When one can get 3 cans of veggies for $1.00 at places like Save-A-Lot, it shouldn’t hurt most of us too badly, to pick up an extra 3 cans to donate. That $1.00 is less than we spend for a drink at most fast foods.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I round up the checks I deduct in my check register, and round down my payroll deposit. Generally between Thanksgiving & Christmas I am able to write a check to the local food bank for $500-600. If I’m feeling broke – its only a few cents each check, if not, might be a couple dollars per check, but it adds up.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Thanks for sharing that information, AKM. Back when the campaign was going on, I found a website that shared the Alaska 2008 budget with the governor’s modifications or deletions. The Fairbanks food bank budget was lashed by $25,000. The Special Olympics Center was slashed by $2M. And there was a teenage mother project, an appliance for a senior center, and everything for Homer deleted. Well, I might have missed one or two, but at the time I wondered who she hated in Homer. The State had the monies, so I thought it was strange the budget was slashed.
Anyway, it’s sad to think folks go hungry in the USA. Although I have been close myself a couple of times due to a disability. Thanks again, AKM, for the info!
November 20th, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Our local Food Bank here in Juneau is reporting greater need this year.
So, to me it doesn’t matter where we end up on a list…
It matters that more neighbors are having a tougher time getting food on the table.
There are lots of drives and ways to donate here so it is easy to help out…
It’s the doing it part…
Really like the Costco partial case idea…!
Gonna borrow that idea!
November 20th, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I can tell you after reading this and talking to hubby we will be buying one less thing for ourselves this holiday, with the monies going to a food bank!!
We will also be making adding a donation in the name of two young ladies here in our village who have graced us with their smiling faces this winter.
I agree it is a shame.
For too many years I lived in one of the riches counties in the US, just minutes from the US capital and still saw more hunger than you can believe.
It is everywhere and every little bit helps!!
Thanks for reminding us AKM!!
November 20th, 2009 at 6:32 PM
One of the things that makes me so proud of Rochester, NY is its reputation for volunteerism and helping out those who need it. Right now our grocery stores (LOVE my Wegman’s!) have coupons at the checkouts for Foodlink in various denominations. Despite the tremendous economic hardships faced by many in our community with tens of thousands of layoffs by our three biggest employers over the past ten years, we still break records each year for donations.
My school is also collecting food for several of our students’ families who are struggling. I’ve known of too many children in our school whose only food during the week comes from our cafeteria.There’s something SO wrong about a child going hungry!
November 20th, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Most of our large grocery stores have bins for Northwest Harvest. About a week ago I reorganized my pantry and was shocked at how many things were stuff I wouldn’t eat, like some types of soups & chili that my Sis had bought. Also many cans of chicken broth that I won’t get around to using (always stock up when on sale) which will be useful if they hand out turkey & stuffing mixes for Thanksgiving.
So last time I went shopping I just hauled the stuff along. Great way to clear out space, while helping at the same time.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
My grocery store has a rip-off coupon that you can have added to your groceries at the check out to help the food bank. $2 at a time makes a difference, and I sometimes rip off 5 at a time.
A good friend of mine relied on the food bank as a student. He writes a cheque to that same food bank every year at x-mas, now that he is a successful lawyer.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:54 PM
“Umm. I’m not slamming (Palin).”
-You’re kidding, right?
:
“If you click the link to The Daily Beast, you’ll see exactly how they came up with the numbers that they did”
-Umm, no…they give a very vague description of dividing one ranking by the square of another ranking. As another commenter posted, this is absurd methodology, and it is a sign of your ignorance or low standards that you link to the story.
:
“they also link back to the original report…”
-No, they don’t link to the USDA report; they link to another Daily Beast story (to get more ad views for themselves).
:
By the way…you can thank Obama for increasing monthly food stamp (SNAP) benefits as part of the stimulus package. For donations, I recommend Feeding America and the Salvation Army.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:58 PM
@26 Alex, @37 tanstaafl:
I am not particularly impressed with the Daily Beast’s methodology, but i do appreciate their intent — to compare, state by state, the incidence of “food insecurity” with the incidence of folks under the Federal Poverty Level. Now, as it happens, the “food insecurity” percentage is fairly close to the average for most states — a quick look says that only six states are outside 12.2 +/- 3.0%.
So the final ranking is probably pretty sensitive to the under-FPL percentage.
So what? Ultimately, the USDA report says that 11.6% of AK households suffered “food insecurity” in 2006-2008. That’s one out of every nine households. Do you think that’s a good thing?
I’ll agree that AKM took a little sideways swipe at the Quitter, but the main thrust of her article was that the hunger issue should be a much bigger deal than many of the things to which we choose to devote our attention.
Do you object to that?