With talk on the campaign trail in South Carolina touching on aspects of hunger and food assistance programs, please take a look at some of the facts regarding hunger in South Carolina:
South Carolina facts on hunger
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Total food insecurity rate (availability of food and one's access to it): 18 percent
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Total number of food insecure people: 807,960
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Total child food insecurity rate: 28 percent
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Total number of children who are food insecure: 292,840
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South Carolina County with largest number of food insecure people: Allendale County.
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36% total food insecure
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40% child food insecure
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South Carolina's largest cities and food insecurity rates by its respective County (overall, child)
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Columbia, Richland County: (17%, 20%)
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Charleston, Charleston County (16%, 24%)
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N. Charleston, Charleston County (16%, 24%)
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Mt. Pleasant, Charleston County (16%, 24%)
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Rock Hill, York County (18%, 30%)
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Food Insecurity in the United States
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Nearly 49 million people in the US are food insecure, about 1 in 6 Americans
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16 million children are food insecure, more than 1 in 5 children
SNAP ( Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps)
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SNAP provides over 46 million low-income participants, more than 840,000 in SC, with monthly benefits via a grocery debit card.
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In FY 2012, the average SNAP household had a gross monthly income of $731 nationally, but only $652 in South Carolina.
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In FY 2010, children and seniors accounted for more than half (52%) of SNAP participants in South Carolina.
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The accuracy rate of 96.19% (FY2010) is now at an all-time program high and program error rates have declined 61% since FY 1999.
"Millions of Americans are unemployed and millions of others are working for reduced wages or working fewer hours. Many of these people never thought they would need a helping hand, but are now turning to programs like SNAP," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America."We know that the number of people coming to Feeding America food banks for assistance increased a staggering 46 percent in the last few years. Food stamps and other anti-hunger programs give hope to struggling Americans and protect them from deeper crisis as they work to get back on their feet."
Contact
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.