Many Americans live in poverty and are at risk of hunger. Over half are children and the elderly. Both public and private agencies provide monetary relief, food supplies, and nutritional counseling. The government has the Food Stamp Program, the School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and the 'Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.' Food banks around the country provide millions of pounds of packaged food and other grocery items to the less fortunate through anetwork of nonprofit agencies. Food kitchens prepare meals for walk-in clients and also distribute them on-site to those who are home-bound. Most of these local charities operate on very limited funding and rely heavily on the efforts of volunteers. The grocery industry also has a strong commitment to fighting hunger, both through relationships with food banks and by helping raise money. For more information, or to find out about volunteer opportunities, call your local food bank.
