The Changing Face of Hunger in Illinois

(Undated) -- Some people may have recovered from the economic downturn, but recent data from the U-S-D-A finds over 12 percent of Illinoisans still struggle to put food on the table. Julie Melton with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank says the face of hunger has changed – more than half of those who visit their food pantries are employed, and almost 80 percent are high school graduates. She adds most come in for help as a last resort. September is Hunger Action Month and hunger-fighting organizations are encouraging Illinoisans to help their neighbors in need, either by volunteering at a food pantry or donating food. She says monetary donations are especially welcome, since the food bank's bulk purchasing power can get 10 dollars worth of food for every dollar donated.