The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on October 14, 1999 that 15% of New Mexicans are hungry or threatened with hunger. USDA Secretary Dan Glickman released the government findings at a hunger conference in Chicago. It showed New Mexico had the largest percentage of residents in danger of going hungry in the United States. New Mexico's U.S. Representative Joe Skeen and the New Mexico Human Services Department reacted by questioning the federal government's methodology.

"I'm so sorry that some in New Mexico have approached this as a political issue. It is not about politics; it is about hunger..."
     Shirley Watkins, Department of Agriculture undersecretary

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FACTS

• 15.1% of New Mexicans are hungry or are threatened with hunger
• 29.2% of New Mexico's children live in poverty
• New Mexico has the highest poverty rate of all states in the nation
• New Mexico's median income is $27,303 or 77% of the national median income of $35,492
• 22% of New Mexico's low income kids are without health insurance -- highest in nation
• Violent crime has decreased across the nation, yet it is 13% higher in New Mexico
• Unemployment in New Mexico has increased significantly
• Fewer New Mexicans are receiving public assistance
• More New Mexico babies are being born with low birth weights
• Hispanic teenagers have the highest birthrate of all ethnic groups

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