Impact

YOUR DONATION’S IMPACT

As of September 2011, Teens Fighting Hunger has distributed over $69,000 to organizations feeding hungry children in America. We have also involved hundreds of teens in community service and educated thousands of people about the childhood hunger problem in the U.S.

When you support Teens Fighting Hunger you not only help stop the pain and address the societal impacts of childhood hunger, you also…

• Send a message to teens that they can (and should) make a difference
• Provide them the opportunity to feel the pleasure of giving
• Furnish teens with a positive outlet for their creative abilities
• Give them something meaningful to do with their spare time
• Help teens develop a work ethic and become productive members of their communities
• Support Teens Fighting Hunger in its efforts to create public awareness about childhood hunger
• Demonstrate to teens that it is truly better to give than to receive

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is Teens Fighting Hunger?
Teens Fighting Hunger (TFH) is a charitable organization and nonprofit corporation founded in 2007 in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Its mission is threefold:

(1) to provide relief — throughout the year — to the nearly 17 million hungry children in the United States;

(2) to promote youth involvement and empower teenagers to use their skills, talents, creativity and energy in such ways that they develop both the pleasure and habit of giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others; and

(3) to raise awareness about the hunger problem in America in order to create a continuous stream of hunger relief.

2. Why did you choose to target the hunger problem?
Hunger, and childhood hunger in particular, is a universal problem that everyone — adult, teenager, young child — can understand. It impacts people’s lives on a daily basis and not just during the holidays. Hunger hurts the economy by limiting the productivity of the workforce. It limits the effectiveness of our schools because hungry kids can’t learn. It may also contribute to other social problems such as high crime rates. In short, no human should have to endure the physical and emotional pain caused by the lack of food. Through its assistance efforts, Teens Fighting Hunger can have a significant impact the on the lives of the young and old alike.

3. How big is the Hunger Problem?
According to Share Our Strength Organization in Washington D.C., every year there are 16.2 million hungry American children. Further, a 2009 USDA study concluded that one in four children now live in a “food insecure” home. A household is considered food insecure if its members are uncertain of having enough food to meet their needs due to lack of money or other food resources.

The hunger problem in Oregon is also substantial. Based on 2004 census information,
• 11.9% or 433,279 Oregonians are “food insecure” meaning that availability of nutritional food is limited or uncertain.
• 3.8% or 138,358 Oregonians are “hungry” defined as the uneasy or painful sensation caused by a recurrent or involuntary lack of food and is a potential, although not necessarily a consequence of food insecurity. Over time, hunger may result in malnutrition.

4. Why are people in Oregon hungry?
People are hungry because they don’t make enough money to cover basic living costs.
• Nearly a third of emergency food box recipients say they need help because their wages are too low. This is major change from 2002 during the economic downturn when 19 percent of recipients named low wages as a reason for needing help.
• 78 percent of households reported incomes less than 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
• 38 percent cite higher wages as critical to improving their situation.

• Nearly two-thirds of the new jobs created since the end of the last economic boom pay less that $30,000 a year. Moreover a smaller share of workers in Oregon has employers who pay something towards health insurance compared to just a few years ago.

5. How exactly does TFH battle hunger?
Teens Fighting Hunger raises money primarily by selling high quality products created/provided by its teen volunteers. Arts (both tangible and performance) and crafts form the cornerstone of our efforts though the possibilities for other money-generating products and activities are endless.

Teens Fighting Hunger is also working with sponsors who match funds in order for each donated dollar to be worth much more. It is also envisioned that members’ time may be donated on occasion to other hunger-relief organizations to assist them in their efforts. We’re all on the same team trying to solve a significant problem.

6. How does the money raised get to those in need?
Fortunately, throughout the United States, there exist a number of organizations with great track records of getting aid into the hands (and mouths) of the needy. Teens Fighting Hunger will work with local hunger relief organizations in order to maximize the impact of locally raised funds. Rather than “reinvent the wheel,” Teens Fighting Hunger will work with existing groups, initially in Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, to distribute funds.

The Oregon Food Bank (OFB) is the hub of a statewide network of 947 hunger-relief agencies serving all of Oregon and Clark County in Washington. The OFB recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources and distributes that food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. Sixteen are independent charitable organizations. OFB directly operates the four regional food banks serving the Portland metro area, Tillamook and southeast Oregon. Those four centers distribute food weekly to more than 409 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs helping low-income individuals in Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah, Washington, Tillamook, Malheur and Harney counties. The OFB also works to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, learning gardens and public education. In 2009, the OFB Network collected and donated 72 million pounds of food. They are an excellent organization to leverage for Teens Fighting Hunger.

7. Why shouldn’t I simply give directly to my food bank of choice?
You certainly could… and that would be wonderful. However, in that case you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of any matching funds offered by Teens Fighting Hunger sponsors. Remember, we are actively seeking generous contributors such that every teen-raised/donated dollar becomes much more. This is central to our operational philosophy.

8. What % of what is donated is passed on to the actual cause?
We are proud to be comprised entirely of generous, energetic volunteers. There is no paid staff at Teens Fighting Hunger. We also receive much “in-kind” support (supplies and the like) from sponsors. This means that 95+ percent of every dollar donated goes to intended recipients. 100% of revenues from product sales is distributed to those in need.

9. Is my donation tax deductible?
Teens Fighting Hunger is a non-profit under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, our understanding is that outright donations may be deductible from federal taxes. However, monies given to purchase goods (e.g., earrings, cards, etc.) are not deductible. Having said this, if you donate funds above and beyond the price of the goods, then these marginal dollars are deductible. Let us know if you would like a receipt.

In any case, we are not tax specialists and you should consult your tax experts for precise guidance.

11. How can I get involved in Teens Fighting Hunger?
We are looking for creative, talented and dedicated people to help us fight hunger. Whether you’re an artist, craftsperson, or you would simply like to donate some time, we would love to hear from you. The more people that get involved, the more aid we can generate for those living with hunger. Naturally, we are also open to sponsorships, adult and teacher participation, and outright donations. Please visit our Ways To Help area of this site.

Note: TFH volunteers’ efforts may also satisfy their schools’ community service hours requirements. Contact your school’s representative for more information.