Research shows hunger still prevalent | Families

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - New numbers show hunger is still prevalent in southeast Missouri.

Research by Feeding America show more than 63,000 people or 17 percent of the population is food insecure.  That means they do not know where their next meal is coming from.

The rate is higher than the rest of the country, but Karen Green with the SEMO Food Bank says the numbers are not surprising.

"What's going on in America with food insecurity is a problem. But I know that right here in our neighborhoods, it's even worse," said Green. "The unemployment rates are higher here. The food insecurity rates are always higher here. We live an a rural area that's very poverty stricken."

Green says it's not all bad news. Food donations are up at the food bank despite a bad economy.

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