Another record month reveals depth of hunger

Although economic statistics indicate national conditions are stabilizing after years of decline, that does not diminish the fact many families continue to be in trouble.

Right here in our own community, this is evident from the latest report from the Yuma Community Food Bank.

More than 26,000 people received emergency food assistance during August, a record amount for the community assistance agency. That follows on the heels of a previous record month in May when more than 24,000 people received food help.

Many of those who are hungry are children. Food bank officials say more than 40 percent of the children in Yuma County aren't able to get food to eat at times, compared with 29 percent statewide. A similar situation exists for adults here, with 27 percent being “food insecure,” compared with 19 percent statewide.

It is a bad situation that is forcing the food bank to adjust its hours and seek more volunteer help to deal with the high number of hungry people.

Fortunately, we live in a community that is willing to come forward and help, whether it be in the form of food drives, monetary donations or labor.

The food bank's development director noted that it is not necessarily the homeless or strangers receiving this help. “They're everyday people, they're your neighbors,” she said.

If you need help — or you want to help the effort to feed people here — visit the food bank, 2404 E. 24th St., or call 343-1243.