Hunger is a devastating condition closely linked to poverty. And while new poverty estimates are due from the Census Bureau on August 29, local data show that no matter what the census numbers say, basic needs such as for food are on the rise in Cleveland and the suburbs of Cuyahoga County.

A new report released by The Center for Community Solutions shows that hunger has increased in Cleveland and surrounding suburbs, as well as in the state and the country. The report measures hunger in Cuyahoga County by the number of food stamp recipients and the number of calls to the local 211 agency for help in finding food assistance in 2000 and 2005. It provides comparisons to U.S. and Ohio hunger data, and tracks food stamp recipients and food assistance calls to show that poverty and hunger increased inside and outside the central city since 2000.

Find the full report here or call author Terry Lenahan at 216-781-2944 ext. 101.