Feb
5
Utah’s Poorest Struggle to Meet Basic Needs.
Posted by Kellie Roring under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, General Information
More than half the hungry families who seek help from food pantries across the state are so poor they have to choose between paying for housing and buying food, a new report shows.
The new data come from a study done in cooperation with Feeding America, a national organization working to feed the hungry and raise awareness of hunger issues. In Utah, more than 400 people were interviewed, providing the Utah Food Bank with the most detailed data it has ever received.
“The study really reveals who is the face of hunger,” said Jessica Pugh, spokeswoman for the Utah Food Bank. “The findings are surprising.”
Among the details: 43 percent of households seeking help at food pantries have at least one adult employed. More than three-quarters of the households earned less than the federal poverty level, which is about $24,000 for a family of four in Utah.
An estimated 245,100 people use food from pantries across the state each year. Among the group surveyed, 58 percent must choose between food and utility bills or food and rent. About 47 percent must choose between food and medicine or medical care.
On a positive note, Pugh said Utahns who rely on food pantry help are happy with the community’s donations. The data show that 92 percent of adult clients were either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with how much food they receive. About the same percentage were happy with the quality.
Best Regards, KellieRoring ABR,GRI 801-369-5805





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