Housing Costs, Layoffs Boost Need for Food Banks : "According to the Agriculture Department, 11% of U.S. families - 34.9 million people - are 'food insecure,' meaning they lack the means to ensure themselves of healthy meals and are vulnerable to at least a mild form of chronic malnutrition. A U.S. Conference of Mayors survey of 25 cities found that demand at food banks rose 17% in 2003....While very few Americans, even the poorest, risk starvation, Hofer said many wind up with long-term health problems as they cut financial corners."