Hungry holidays for recession hit Americans

Whereas the economic recession has foiled many large institutions it has failed to curb the holiday spirit. There is however going to be a change in the way people celebrate their holidays as they attempt to save up on as much cash as they can. Eating out, or in for that matter is an aspect that has been most effected by the economic downturn.

Long lines of senior citizens, young parents and middle aged workers could be seen lined up outside the suburban center patiently waiting to receive free food handouts. The handouts included canned vegetables, pasta, peanut butter and other staple items to help them get through the day.

A volunteer for The Shawnee Community Center that was handing out the food items said “We are seeing more people this Christmas than last Christmas for sure a lot of people are hungry.” It is a common sight to see long lines of people outside food pantries these days with the nation hit by the severest recession of the century.

The increase in emergency food assistance has been more than thirty percent in the last couple of months according to statistics released by Feeding America which supports 63000 agencies across the country. Feeding America is the largest hunger relief organization of America.

With the economic recession tightening its grips around America the expected number is likely to increase in the year 2009. Unemployment is on the rise which is straining the charity groups who in turn are calling upon Washington to grant them more federal assistance.

More than 533,000 jobs have been lost in the month of November only. This has been the highest monthly layoff in thirty four years. With the trends taking on such horrific form the holiday season may go hungry for a lot of individuals struggling to cope up with the economic turmoil and its consequences.

A spokesman for the largest charity organization in America said “We’re in a crisis. Absolutely,” acknowledging the change in lifestyle that has come about as a result of the current situation that the country has plundered into.