Working To End Hunger In Rural America

Food insecurity knows no boundaries, but it disproportionately impacts rural areas of the country.  That's why the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, of which the PNW Ag Network is a member, as well as the NAFB's member stations are teaming up with Feeding America to ensure everyone has access to healthy meals.

Linda Nageotte, president and CEO of Feeding America, says a surprisingly large number of children are threatened by hunger every day.

“During the whole month of September, Feeding America and our national network of 200-plus food banks, over 60,000 faith-based and community-based organizations, that all work together to ensure that people facing hunger have access to the nutritious food that they need," she said.  "All across the country, we're working to come together with our partners to elevate the voices of people who are facing hunger and inspire our nation to take action.”

Nageotte added hunger hits rural areas even more than urban centers.

“There are over 47 million people in America who are experiencing food insecurity, including 13 million children," Nageotte said.  "That's one in five kids. And what we know about rural hunger is that the rates of food insecurity in rural communities can be much, much higher than in other areas. We know that in many rural communities, child food insecurity rates can be as high as nearly 50%.”

Dru Montri, Vice President of Agri Food Engagement at Feeding America, said they work with farmers across the country who are making a difference.

“Our network works with farmers in the community every day, across commodities and across scales," Montri noted.  "So for some farmers, that means they connect regularly with local agency in their community or their local food bank, and we're encouraging you to reach out to your local food banks to see how you can get involved.”

Learn how you can help by visiting the NAFB's Website.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com