The report tags Dayton with a "food hardship rate" of 29.4, meaning 29.4 percentage of households with children surveyed by Gallup reported having trouble obtaining enough healthy food.
The report ranks Dayton second only to Columbia, S.C. among metro areas seeing food hardship in homes with children. Dayton’s hunger problem is worse than that found in cities like Chattanooga, Tenn., Bakersfield, Calif. and Las Vegas, according to FRAC.
“It’s a wake-up call again,” said former U.S Rep. Tony Hall, who has long been recognized as a global authority on hunger. “It’s something that people need to see to understand.”
If you're looking for a way to help, especially during the holiday season, here are some options.
Valley Food Relief Campaign
The Valley Food Relief campaign benefits The Dayton Foodbank that has served as the primary source of food for the hunger relief network in the Miami Valley for over 40 years.
Every $1 donated equals four meals for families in need. Money raised provides food to pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelter, and kid’s programs.
To donate: Go to daytondailynews.com or be on the lookout for an envelope insert in the Dayton Daily News. You can also learn more about The Dayton Foodbank at thefoodbankdayton.org.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army says, “When you put money in our kettle, expect change.” Donations can be made to the Red Kettle Campaign to assist underprivileged communities in need of programs, services, and support.
Donations annually feed 4,000 families for the holiday season.
To donate: Go to DaytonKroc.com, call 937-528-5200 or slip some funds into the Red Kettles throughout the community.
House of Bread
This Dayton nonprofit community kitchen serves a hot, nutritious meal to anyone in need, 365 days a year. Staff and volunteers work together, primarily using donated food, to prepare the meal each day.
The House of Bread was founded with the belief that no one deserves to go hungry. Over 30 years since the first meal was served, it operates with that very principle today.
Whether you're looking to donate needed items, time, or money, there's an opportunity to contribute what you can.
To donate: Go to houseofbread.org.
The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton
The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton partners with various organizations to provide food and services to those in need. Its Mobile Pantry distributes groceries monthly to 1,000+ families in Greene and Montgomery Counties in Ohio.
The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton is a 501(C)(3) public charity, and all donations are tax deductible.
To donate: Go to hope4dayton.org.
Did we miss something? Send us your tips on other area nonprofits that target hunger in the Dayton region: contact@dayton.com.