The non-profit hunger relief group Feeding Americaestimates the rate of food insecurity in Ohio this year is 18.1 percent, up from 13.9 percent in 2018. Organizations fighting hunger and poverty say the numbers demonstrate an immediate need for Congress to approve a COVID relief package. Joree Novotny is with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks:
More than one in four Ohio children live in families who don't know how they'll pay for enough healthy food for their household. Novotny says food pantries and other hunger relief organizations are working overtime, and the longevity of the pandemic is hindering their efforts.