Statistics:
The national poverty rate average of the country is 12.8% as of 2021.
Hamblen County’s poverty rate average is 15% as of 2021, more than two percent higher than the national average.
In the United States, 37.2 million people live in poverty.
The national poverty rate of children age 5-17 is 16.9%
Hamblen County’s poverty rate of children age 5-17 is 17.8%
According to Feeding America, 14.6% of Hamblen County is considered food insecure. This would be about 9440 individuals.
An estimated 59% of people in Hamblen County are eligible for Federal Nutrition Assistance, which includes SNAP, WIC, and free school lunch. An additional 27% is not eligible for SNAP, but is still eligible for WIC and free school lunch.
In 2021, the food pantry served 22,041 individuals living or working in Hamblen County.
In 2021, 61% of the central services population reported that they didn’t receive SNAP (foodstamp) benefits. This points to an overall food insecurity issue that is not being met by federal programs.
In 2021, one in four of the food pantry’s clients were new to Central Services. This shows that food insecurity is a dynamic issue that consistently affects the area.
Donation List:
To help battle food insecurity, consider donating to the food drive. Bring in at least one Thanksgiving item from the list to your 3rd period teacher’s box between Nov. 1-18.
Thanks to everyone who considered donating and making their community a happier and healthier place.
