Authors: Carmen Cox

Comstock/Thinkstock(BOSTON) -- One in six Americans does cannot get enough food, and more than 50 million Americans live in "food insecure" households, according to Feeding America, a U.S. hunger-relief organization.
Hunger exists throughout America, in cities, suburbs and rural areas, affecting people of every race and religion, according to the organization. Doctors at Boston Medical Center's Grow Clinic said they have seen a dramatic increase in the number of children they treat who are dangerously thin.
"What's so hard is that a lot of families are working so hard," said Dr. Megan Sandel, an associate professor of pediatrics and public health at BMC. "They are working jobs. They are earning money, and their dollars just don't go far enough."
Nearly 15 million children live in poverty in the U.S., according to the National Center for Children in Poverty, and that number is up almost 20 percent from 2000, primarily because of higher unemployment and foreclosures. While children across the nation are in need, the neediest are in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Here's how you can help those in need of food.
Organizations That Help the Hungry
Feeding America: Feeding America will help provide food to an estimated 14 million children this year. The organization says that for $45, it can feed a family of four for a month.
To donate to Feeding America Click Here, or you can contribute $10 by texting FEED to 50555.
Food Bank for New York City: Food Bank for New York City is one of America's largest food banks, and its mission is to end hunger in New York City by tackling it on three fronts: food distribution, income support and nutrition education. The organization says it provides 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need.
To donate to the Food Bank for New York City Click Here.
Freedom From Hunger: Established in 1946 Freedom From Hunger works in 19 countries to help the poorest people in the world achieve food security. The organization says its microfinance programs serve more than 18 million people.
To donate to Freedom From Hunger Click Here.
Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

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