Statement Attributable to Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America:

November 2, 2009

“Today, more than ever in our country’s recent history, the current economic downturn is affecting a cross-section of American families beyond those traditionally categorized as relying on food-stamps assistance. Feeding America has long recognized that hunger abides by no fixed rules and can touch any family at any time, for a variety of reasons.

“Connecting families seeking emergency food assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is a top priority for Feeding America and we applaud any study that brings attention to the issue of hunger in America.  The Washington University report underscores that SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger in America, and we share the researchers concerns that millions more individuals and families are eligible for the program than one year ago because of the continued weakening economy.

“The report also reinforces the startling statistic that while only 66 percent of people who are eligible for the program are currently participating, the number of people receiving benefits is at an all time high of more than 35 million people, up 22 percent over a year prior.

Read the rest of the statement.