Hunger in America 2014 Findings

The Connecticut Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a network of  more than 200 food banks across the U.S.  Conducted every four years, Hunger in America, also known as the Hunger Study, is the largest study of charitable food assistance in America.

Results of the study provide client household demographics and information about the challenges facing people who are served by the Connecticut Food Bank network of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Among the key findings are that 45 percent of households served used three or more coping strategies in the last 12 months for getting enough food to feed themselves and their family:

• 73% of client households report purchasing the cheapest foods available, even if they knew it wasn’t the healthiest option
• 54% of client households report receiving help from family and friends
• 41% of client households watered down food or drinks
• 35% of client households pawned or sold personal property

Also in the past year:

• 73% report of choosing between paying for food and utilities
• 69% report making choices between paying for food and transportation
• 68% report making choices between paying for food and medicine
• 63% report making choices between paying for food and for housing
• 35% report choosing between paying for food and paying for education expenses

View a summary of the study findings. The full report is posted on Feeding America’s website, www.feedingamerica.org.