News of the recession has been dominating media cycles for over a year and each day we’re confronted with new reports or a fresh batch of economic indicators that range from cautiously optimistic to prolonged cause for concern. Witnessing the impact of the economic recession first-hand, however, sheds a fresh and important perspective on the realities behind the numbers. 

The first stop on the Workscape Gives Back tour brought us to “Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin.” From an impressive 84,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Milwaukee, Feeding America helps to feed some 235,000 people annually across 36 counties. Of those supported, some 87,000 are children.

One of the most staggering statistics is that roughly half of those who currently receive support from Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin are currently employed. This statistic, when combined with the fact that unemployment is approaching 10% nationally, underscores the fact that we still have a long way to go before reaching full recovery. To this end, financial donations are critical to the day-to-day operation of food banks and other similar organizations across the country. As highlighted in the above video, each dollar donated can be transformed into five meals… so every little bit helps.

Click here to learn more about Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin (which was previously known as America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin) and learn more about how you can help. Or, to take action within your own community, run a Google search on food banks in your area.

Check back with us tomorrow as we post another video and provide coverage from our second stop on the 2009 Workscape Gives Back Tour – the Greater Chicago Food Depository. (Or for more information about the Workscape Gives Back Tour, click here and watch our kick-off video.)

Thanks for watching!