Strike out Hunger Force

Strike Out Hunger Force 2024

Feeding America is one of the strongest organizations fighting for food security for all Americans. Their mission is to ensure that everyone receives the food they need with respect and dignity. By partnering with local organizations, they address the root causes of food insecurity, such as high costs of living and limited access to affordable housing. Feeding America operates programs focused on food access and conducts research to help end hunger.

We are a group of students from the University of North Texas, working on a project to make a real impact in the fight against hunger. That's why we're aiming to raise funds to help Americans across the nation access the food they need to sustain themselves this holiday season, with an initial goal of $750.

Insight into how your donation will make a significant difference:

$5 provides 50 meals to families in need.

$25 can feed a family for an entire week.

$100 helps stock a food pantry with essentials for a month.

Americans face numerous obstacles that often force us to focus on our own survival rather than using the resources in our own backyards. Joining forces with a local fundraiser such as ours makes a significant impact in addressing food insecurity, a crisis that is affecting every American and is now at an all-time high. This challenge threatens to undermine the potential of future generations, who may inherit only generational poverty instead of prosperity.

We are on a mission to take what we learn in class and apply it out in the real world to create positive change within our communities, and we hope you’ll join us in this mission.

Statistics

According to Feeding America, “In 2022, 47 million people faced food insecurity,” and in 2024, that number remains alarmingly high. Factors like COVID-19, along with widespread job cuts in higher paying positions, have left many Americans fighting for lower paying jobs. This trickle down effect has

made it harder for Americans to maintain essential needs, including rent or mortgage payments, heating, cooling, and even personal necessities, leaving millions homeless. Due to federal limitations, millions of Americans are also denied assistance.

Feeding America’s data on food waste is staggering. In the United States alone, people waste about 92 billion pounds of food annually. This equates to roughly 145 billion meals, with over $473 billion worth of food being thrown away each year. In total, about 38% of food in America is wasted.

Feeding America’s Access programs distributed 5.3 billion meals to mobile food pantries and children’s programs in 2023. Their nationwide network of partners provides food supplies to food banks, food pantries, and meal programs. Their Map the Meal Gap research initiative aims to promote sustainability for future generations. With your support, we can begin to address the pressing issue of food insecurity.

The best way you can help is by becoming a partner. Feeding America’s partners are responsible for feeding over 40 million people annually. Their Work Giving program allows employees to make donations directly from their workplaces. Additionally, Feeding America has charitable foundation partnerships that provide financial resources for nutritious foods and support research to end hunger. If you are interested in supporting any of these initiatives, please visit FeedingAmerica.org or connect with them through their blog to post questions or share ideas.

References

1. Feeding America, 2023 Annual Report

2. USDA, Household Food Security in the United States, 2022

3. Feeding America, Food Waste Statistics in the U.S.

4. Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap Program

Success Stories:

When Anna VonIt'sNone left prison on July 1, 2024, she faced a new beginning. After drug-related charges and larceny that began in 2018, she has transformed her life through determination and support. During her incarceration, she enrolled in a comprehensive prison program that provided crucial resources. Since release, she has secured food assistance through Feeding America, dental care, and joined an online yoga therapy network. Living on the same property as her parents and helping her grandmother has strengthened family bonds and given her renewed purpose. Anna is now working to reinstate her driver's license and plans to return to school. Her journey demonstrates how reentry support combined with personal dedication can create lasting change. Through Feeding America's assistance and other resources, she has built a foundation for a promising future.

Lisa Vonofyourconcern served nine years in prison as a habitual felon due to drug addiction. Near release, she proactively enrolled in a reentry program, participating fully in every session. Recognizing upcoming challenges with basics like ID and clothing, she developed a plan centered on available resources, with Feeding America as her primary support. Their assistance provided essential meals while she got on her feet. She secured her driver's license and state ID and found employment until a car accident temporarily interrupted her progress. Despite this setback, Lisa remains equipped with tools for success and plans to resume work and education.