Beyond the Headlines

ABC7's Emmy award-winning public affairs show, "Beyond the Headlines," provides in-depth coverage of the topics and issues facing the people of the Bay Area. Throughout the year, "Beyond the Headlines" airs half-hour specials on issues, ranging from Bay Area housing to same-sex marriage.

November 15, 2009
Hunger
Hosted by ABC7's Cheryl Jennings

This week's episode of "Beyond the Headlines" looks at a troubling issue that is hitting more families even harder during this recession. It is hunger. Over the years, we've covered many stories about how the face of hunger has been the working poor and seniors who have to choose between medication and food. This picture has now widened to include our middle class.

According to Bay Area Food Banks, this new group of clients include:

The troubled economy has been affecting people who never thought they would have to ask for a helping hand. Laura Anthony filed this report in February from eastern Contra Costa County, where the need for free food has nearly doubled.

Laura Anthony also provided a list of food items we should "not" donate.

Unfortunately, there have been days when demand has outpaced supply, and food pantries have had to close early because of bare cupboards. The Salvation Army in concord had to turn away people one evening because it ran out of food. Alan Wang filed this report in September about a reflection of the times  more people in need and not enough donations.

Contact your local food bank to make a donation, or, to find a local pantry to receive food. www.bayareahunger.org 800-870-FOOD (3663)

Studio Guests

Lynn Crocker Director of Communications, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties www.shfb.org

Claudia Bruce Food Bank Client

Carolee Hazard Founder, The 93 Dollar Club www.facebook.com/93dollarclub

Jenni Ware Personal Growth Facilitator

Frank Yoke Director of Finance Services, San Francisco Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America www.sfbac.org

Susan Houghton Director of Public & Government Affairs, Safeway, Inc. www.safewayfoundation.org

Upcoming Events:

Through January 11, 2010: ABC7 Safeway Thanksgiving Food Drive ABC7 Safeway Holiday Food Drive Donate cash at the Safeway check stand when paying for groceries Donate non-perishable food at the barrels by the Safeway store entrance

November 16 through November 27, 2009: 6PM News Thanksgiving Food Drive Donations of $250 or greater (equivalent to minimum 25 Thanksgiving Meals) to food banks Donor names will be announced by Spencer Christian & meteorology team on the evening news.

Saturday, November 21, 2009: Boy Scouts Food Drive: "Scouting for Food" Leave non-perishable food donations at your front door for Boy Scouts pick-up. Look for the Boy Scouts door hanger that was dropped off the week earlier. If you did not receive a door hanger, drop off the food at Safeway food bank barrels.

Monday, December 14, 2009: All-Day Holiday Food Drive with Safeway, 6AM to 6PM Festive locations are set-up around the Bay Area for you to drop off cash and food donations to feed the hungry. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Stop by for a visit and enjoy the festivities that our food banks have lined up for you!