#United States #food insecurity #Sara Lee #U.S. Hunger #Horsham, Pa

Sara Lee® Bread and U.S. Hunger: Understanding Food Insecurity

In a powerful new report released by Sara Lee® Bread in collaboration with U.S. Hunger, the scope and seriousness of food insecurity in America have been laid bare. The report titled 'Empty Tables: The Hidden Reality of Food Insecurity' is the result of extensive research aimed at revealing not only the scale of the issue but also the public's perception regarding this pressing societal challenge.

The Disconnect in Perception

During a season often centered around family gatherings and shared meals, the report starkly illustrates that for approximately 13.5 million American households, the traditional dining experience is out of reach. Despite this alarming statistic, only 24% of Americans recognize food insecurity as one of the most urgent problems confronting households today. This disconnect showcases a critical gap in awareness and understanding—one that the report endeavors to mitigate.

Nick Pitone, Senior Brand Manager at Sara Lee, expressed the importance of this initiative: "Sara Lee Bread has always strived to support moms and families across the US, and this partnership with U.S. Hunger is extremely important to us to help amplify that commitment."

The survey revealed that nearly 30% of respondents are not familiar with the term 'food insecurity'. This lack of awareness is echoed by the widespread belief that it does not primarily affect dual-income households, which contradicts the reality faced by many families. In fact, about 47% of Americans mistakenly perceive food insecurity as infrequent among usual American families. This misunderstanding is particularly pronounced among female caregivers, many of whom juggle multiple jobs yet still face food scarcity.

The Eager Call for Change

Despite the misgivings, there is a palpable desire among Americans to contribute to the alleviation of food insecurity. The report highlighted that 82% of respondents are interested in taking actions to combat hunger within their communities. Such findings underscore that while awareness is lacking, the willingness to improve the situation is incredibly high. Rick Whitted, President and CEO of U.S. Hunger, added, “More than 13 million households don’t know where their next meal is coming from, which can be especially tough around the holidays.”

This collaborative effort aims not only to raise awareness but also to drive actionable support for families struggling with food scarcity. In response to the findings, both organizations are committed to nurturing initiatives that can mitigate the food insecurity crisis.

Sara Lee’s Commitment to Action

Sara Lee Bread has pledged to donate $1 million in both funding and product support to U.S. Hunger through 2025. This initiative includes promoting their 'Full Cart' program, which delivers food directly to families in need while also organizing meal-packing events involving employees from both organizations. By focusing on actionable steps, Sara Lee aims to create a supportive community that brings love and nourishment to those affected by this troubling issue.

Final Thoughts

The 'Empty Tables' report serves not just as an eye-opener about the state of food insecurity in the US, but also as a rallying cry for individuals and communities to come together in support of families in need. By aligning efforts and amplifying the conversation around food insecurity, Sara Lee Bread and U.S. Hunger hope to kindle a spirit of compassion that will foster change and stability in the faces of those struggling with hunger.

In conclusion, addressing food insecurity requires both awareness and action. The insights gained from this report serve as a fundamental first step toward bridging the gap between perception and reality while inspiring lasting change for millions of families.