Hunger Facts
Hunger in Western North Carolina
Hunger is a condition of poverty. Hunger has a price. Medical problems, learning difficulties, headaches and fatigue are all the result of not having enough to eat.
Have you ever wondered where your next meal will come from? Or when you will get it?
Do you realize that there are people in Jackson County who wonder about that every day?
Do you realize that in Jackson County:
- 15.1% of residents live below the poverty level?
- 18.7% of households 65 years and older live below the poverty level
- 9.5% of families live in poverty
- 43.21% of school children are eligible to receive free or reduced lunches
- 13.6% of families and 7.9% of individuals receive food stamps
- 6.5% of the counties population is unemployed
Many of the clients of The Community Table must choose between paying for food and:
- paying for prescription medication
- paying for rent/mortgage
- paying for utilities and/or heating fuel
In addition, there are people who have a temporary need due, perhaps to a house fire, injury, or health problem, or other crisis.
The Community Table served over 10,700 meals last year, not including food boxes distributed. 2009 looks to be an even tougher year for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Sources: Jackson County, NC Census 2000. Factfinder Online. Retrieved Oct 17, 2005, from:
- http://factfinder.census.gov
- Jackson County Department of Education. Nov. 2005
- Jackson County Department of Social Services. Sept. 2005