Hunger At All-Time High

The number of Americans who go to bed hungry is at it's highest level since the federal government started keeping records. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reports that the number of people getting food stamps is up 40% from two years ago.

That is putting a strain on safety nets like food banks. The Chattanooga Food Bank serves up 8.7-million pounds of food a year, according to development director Gary Paul. But as the deep recession continues so does demand, while donations this year are down.

"We've been hit a couple ways," Paul said.

The first hit - a growing need. Chattanooga's Food Bank helps more than 14,000 people a week. Sherry McClain and her family depend on the generosity of people like you and companies that give.

We asked McClain what she would do without the Food Bank and she answered "I would be lost because it's hard, the economy is tore up and it's hard to get a job and everybody is struggling right now."

The demand for so-called emergency boxes is up 28% this year. Emergency boxes are filled with food and other items people need right now.

"And that's really put a burden on our resources, and at the same time corporate donations, food donations from large producers, that's down around a million pounds," Paul said.

That's the second hit. Plus, the Chattanooga Food Bank has to pay the shipping costs for each donated load that can range from $400 to $2,000.

Much of what the Chattanooga Food Bank gives goes to 380 agencies and churches in a 20-county area. They in turn give the food to people in their communities. Churches and organizations are forbidden from charging people for the food they distribute, according to Paul.

Tuesday we saw members of the Dry Valley Baptist Church in Summerville picking up donations, most of which were palates of soft drinks.

So here's how you or your company can help - donate cash.

"We can buy a truckload of green beans or a truck load of cereal when we're running short," Paul said.

Remember, the number of people going hungry is growing and they rely on your generosity to survive.

"It would be a blessing," McClain said. "Everybody is ashamed but you can't be ashamed, it is hard out here right now so if you can, donate."

The greatest need is to help feed children, especially those being raised by single mothers. The Chattanooga Food Bank also has a program that gives children in rural areas a food pack for the weekends to ensure they'll get enough to eat when they're not getting meals at school.