Hunger is not caused by a shortage of food, too many people, or lazy people. Hunger is caused by poverty, or a person’s inability to earn enough income for food and other vital needs, such as housing and health care.
Unemployment, low wages, lack of benefits, childcare expenses, skyrocketing housing and energy costs, and high out-of-pocket medical expenses make many families and individuals vulnerable to hunger. More than 50% of adult food shelf clients work, yet they are still unable to make ends meet.
(“2006 Hunger Fact Sheet,” Minnesota Food Share, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches”).