Facing Hunger in Our Community — and Why It Matters

In today’s economy, far too many families in the United States are waking up every day unsure where their next meal will come from. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, in 2023 about 13.5% of U.S. households — roughly 18 million households — experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. Economic Research Service+3Economic Research Service+3Food Research & Action Center+3 Another trusted source estimates that approximately 47 million Americans live in households that struggle to get enough nutritious food. Food Research & Action Center+1  Among children, the situation is especially alarming: around 14 million U.S. children live in food-insecure homes. Axios+1

These aren’t distant statistics — they represent our neighbors, our local families, our community. Rising food costs, inflation in housing and utilities, shrinking support programs, and ongoing health challenges all contribute to the squeeze. When a person faces chronic illness and limited mobility, the impact of food insecurity is magnified.

What We Do At the Foundation

At the Charlie E & Minnie P Hendrix Foundation for Chronic Illness, we believe that no one who is ill should also go hungry. Here’s how we respond in our community:

• We partner with local grocery and produce suppliers to collect fresh, nutritious food — including vegan and specialty-diet items — and assemble food boxes that are distributed to individuals and families living with chronic illness.
• We operate regular meal delivery events for people experiencing homelessness and for those whose health challenges make access to meals difficult. These meals are designed to be balanced, accessible, and dignified
• We provide educational materials and support for individuals with chronic illness that explain how proper nutrition, meal planning, and food access tie into managing long-term health conditions.

Through these programs, we aim not just to alleviate hunger temporarily but to build pathways of support, dignity, and health for our neighbors in need.

Why Your Help Matters — and How You Can Make a Difference

While we’re proud of the work we’re doing, the truth is this crisis of food insecurity is larger than any one organization — and we need help to continue and expand our mission.

Here’s how your support makes a tangible difference:

• A donation of $ 25 can provide a food box of fresh produce and pantry staples for a household coping with illness and limited mobility.
• A donation of $ 100 helps underwrite a community meal outreach, serving dozens of hot, nutritious meals to folks experiencing homelessness.
• Volunteer time helps us expand distribution, reach underserved neighborhoods, and ensure that no one is overlooked.
• Or simply give what you can.

Call to action: If you believe in a community where everyone — regardless of health or income — has access to the basic nourishment they need to thrive, we invite you to donate today at via our website or reach out to volunteer with us. Even a small gift helps move us toward our goal: ending hunger for those living with chronic illness in our region.

Together, we can make sure that the season of giving truly means giving hope, nourishment, and care to those who need it most.

Thank you for standing with us and our community.

Warmly,
Susan Hendrix
Founder & Executive Director
Charlie E & Minnie P Hendrix Foundation for Chronic Illness