By Brandi Smith

EUGENE, Ore. -- More then 95,000 Oregon households are skipping meals because food is too expensive. As a result, our state ranks as the second-hungriest state in the nation after Mississippi.

Lunch at St. Vincent de Paul is typically busy. But the increase this year has been shocking. While last year the organization provided more then 53,000 meals, this year they estimate it will be closer to 10 percent more.

Vernon Kelley and his family know just how hard life can be. They used to own their own home. But after the economy fell, this family found themselves living out of a motel, trying to get by. So the family turns to places like St. Vincent de Paul to get a warm meal. Without St. Vincent de Paul, the family isn't sure where that next meal would come.

And the Kelley family isn't alone. According to the USDA survey, more then 49 million Americans, including 17 million children, aren't getting the food they need on a daily basis. And for families like the Kelley's, these tough times are forcing them to look at every signle penny they earn.