The U.S. Conference of Mayors collects data each year on requests for emergency assistance in some of the nation's major cities. During the period from January 2008 to January 2009, requests for emergency food assistance increased by an average of 25 percent. Across surveyed cities, 68 percent of those requesting emergency assistance were either children or their parents. The average increase in the number of families with children requesting emergency food was 20 percent. Requests by the elderly increased by 15 percent.
