This study surveyed American adults 50+ to better understand their perceptions of hunger and interest in hunger as a charitable cause. 

When asked directly whether it is one of the most important issues facing the country, 14% of adults age 50 and over consider hunger the single most important issue or problem facing the United States, and another seven in ten consider hunger an important (44%) or somewhat important (25%) issue or problem.  Hispanic adults 50+ were significantly more likely to consider hunger the single most important issue or problem (35%).

Two-thirds of adults 50+ have donated money to an organization providing food to those in need (67%) and a similar percentage donated food (66%) within the past year.  Hispanic adults 50+ were less likely to say they had participated in these activities.

If asked, almost eight in ten respondents said they would be interested in giving money or food directly to a person, family member, or neighbor in need (79%).  Six in ten would be interested in donating food to an organization (63%) and five in ten would be interested in donating money to an organization providing food to those in need (51%).

The telephone survey was conducted December 15-20, 2010 by GfK among a nationally representative sample of 1,330 adults age 50 or older and among 501 Hispanic adults age 50 or older. For more information, please contact Jean Koppen at 202-434-6311.