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Many of our families have kids ready to head off to school. Kids that will head out hungry without your support. Hunger impedes learning but proper nutrition supports educational excellence. You can help that child succeed!
Facts about
Child Hunger in America
From Feeding America
• The number of children facing hunger in the United States rose during the pandemic - from more than 10 million children in 2019 to nearly 12 million children in 2020.
• 2.1 million households in rural communities face hunger.
• Child hunger is more common in rural communities
• Poverty is worse in rural communities than in urban communities. In 2019, 13.3% of all people in rural areas lived below the poverty line compared to 10.0% of people in urban areas.
Our Impact
Every month between 400 and 500 individuals (and their pets) benefit from our self-select food pantry as do another 200 Kutztown University students at our campus pantry. Another 90 receive support from our Alburtis Mobile Market. Additionally, each year over 560 individuals are impacted through direct and referral support for things such as utilities, housing, SNAP and medical assistance. In fact, for over 30 years, Friend, Inc. has been at the very forefront in delivering food and social services throughout northeastern Berks County.
Why We Need You
People in rural communities face exactly the same issues as people living in urban and suburban areas; hunger, housing, illness, poverty, domestic safety, and access to mental health support. Due to the nature of being ‘rural’, however, these challenges are often less noticeable than they are in denser populations. It’s hard to see. But every day we see it. It takes dedication and expertise to find and fix, of course, but it takes more. That’s why your gift is so critical. Consider giving generously today.
Lend a Helping Hand
Join us in making Northeastern Berks a safer, healthier place for all.
On-Site Extended Resources
On-site Advocates from these agencies offer their services closer to the need.
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