Petaluma's growing hunger problem

<p>For most people, enjoying three good meals per day and occasionally eating out at a nice restaurant is something we take for granted.</p><p>But in Petaluma and Sonoma County — a city and county known for a high cost of living and premier fine dining venues — there are a growing number of people who simply can't afford to put food on the table without assistance from local agencies.</p><p>As staff writer Dan Johnson reports this week, many people are unaware of the magnitude of this local hunger crisis.</p><p>“Many people go all their life being able to put food on the table, and then one day they can't,” said David Goodman, the executive director of the Empire Food Bank. “They hit rock bottom, and face survival as a human being.”</p><p>The number of local residents seeking hunger relief in Petaluma and other parts of Sonoma County continues to skyrocket, primarily because they have lost their jobs or are working at low-paying jobs that leave them unable to afford food and other necessities. A survey by the food bank this year, “Hunger in Sonoma County 2010,” showed that the median monthly income reported by the agency's food recipients is only $930 per month.</p><p>The food bank, which serves Petaluma and other parts of Sonoma County through its food-assistance programs, has seen a 20 percent increase in clients in each of the past two years.</p><p>Of particular concern are children and seniors. The survey showed that nearly 40 percent of all county food recipients are children, which is especially worrisome due to the importance of proper nutrition during their developmental years. Many seniors are also vulnerable due to the combination of being on fixed incomes and incurring higher medical costs. Often they are forced to choose between paying for food or other expenses, such as gas for their car, utilities, medicine or rent.</p><p>In addition, more middle-class people, many of them former donors to food and assistance programs, are turning up at food pantries. The new faces of the hungry very well may include someone you know.</p><p>So far, the Redwood Empire Food Bank and other assistance programs have been able to keep up with the increasing demand to feed the hungry. But all indications are that the demand will continue to grow, and that more help will be needed. Increased donations of food, money or volunteer time are essential to meet this need. </p><p>Working with the Food Bank are the Committee on the Shelterless, Petaluma Bounty, weekly food pantries and a Meals on Wheels program operated by Petaluma People Services. To learn how to help these organizations — or to contact them if you or someone you know needs help — see the sidebar to Johnson's story, “Hunger-relief providers,” on page A5.</p>