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Hunger in Orange County

According to the 2000 census there were approximately 456,000 individuals in Orange County at risk of going hungry each month. Since 2000 the unemployment rate in California has sky-rocketed.  In 2009 member agencies reported an average increase of 35% in demand for food assistance, given the increased demand for food assistance and its impact on the 2000 census numbers, it is estimated that 615,000 individuals are at-risk of hunger in Orange County.

STATISTICS  The following statistics represents the “at risk” population in Orange County, per the 2000 Census and the increase in demand from our agencies in 2009.  This formula was derived from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (formally FEMA) to provide an allocation for distribution of the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). 

Population living below the poverty line

214,000

Population of seniors on fixed incomes 

88,000

Public Assistance 

62,000

Unemployment

92,000

Total at risk in Orange County

456,000

Hunger in 2000

456,000

Increase in demand in 2009

159,600

Total at-risk of hunger

615,600



Hungry? Find Food.

Second Harvest Food Bank works with partner agencies to distribute food throughout Orange County. Find an agency near you that can help.