These new study results show that the need is greater than ever. They say it's the largest increase they have ever seen since they started doing the study, spurred largely by the economym, but also by more aggressively seeking out those in need.
The study creates a sobering picture of who Food Bank clients really are these days. Half of the households have at least one employed adult.
"Sixty percent report that in the last year, that they have had to choose between food and rent or mortgage, they could not afford to do both," said Brian Greene with the Houston Food Bank. "In those circumstances where you can't afford to do both, hunger, as bizarre and as cruel as it sounds, becomes a rational choice. You are better off to go hungry than to become homeless."
In the 2006 report of the 18 counties that makes up southeast Texas, the Houston Food Bank shows it assisted 80,800 people a week. The most recent report shows the Food Bank is now assisting 137,000 people a week.
