Fewer going hungry in CLT - but it’s not all good news this Thanksgiving

The Story

Loaves and Fishes, an emergency food bank, announced that Charlotte is down to pre-recession levels of those in need for food.

The Facts

– That’s good news, right? Yes, when you compare the 80,000 on track to use a food pantry this year to nearly 127,000 at the height of the recession.

– The flip side: A stunning 40,000 of the Loaves and Fishes clients this year are children.

The Quote

“ For those who have a hard time visualizing that, (80,000 is) enough to fill Bank of America Stadium, and have 5,000 people standing on the field. That’s a lot of hungry people.” — Loaves and Fishes Executive Director Beverly Howard.

c5’s Take

There’s a food drive every way you turn this time of year. Still can’t find one? Nov. 26, drop off a turkey and/or canned goods to WFNZ’s Dog House near Panthers Stadium. Too hard? Next time you’re at Harris Teeter (and we know you have a Teeter near you), donate $1, $5 or $20 to Loaves and Fishes or pick up some canned goods to drop off at bins in the store.

Photo: Ortega Gaines / CharlotteObserver

This story was originally published November 28, 2014 at 5:55 AM with the headline "Fewer going hungry in CLT - but it’s not all good news this Thanksgiving."