Childhood Hunger
Hunger is a Reality for Children in America
NEARLY 1 IN 4 CHILDREN IN AMERICA STRUGGLE WITH HUNGER. THAT'S ALMOST 17 MILLION KIDS.
Hunger affecting more people in our country than ever before.
- 14.1 million children in America live in poverty. That’s 5.5% more than a year ago. (For a four-person family, that means getting by on less than $420 a week.)
- Nearly half (49.2%) of American children will receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits at some point in their life.
- The weak economy has put millions of previously secure American families at risk.
- Effective federal nutrition programs that provide nutritious food to families in need are still underutilized. 10 million eligible kids in this country are not receiving school breakfast. Only 1 of every 6 kids eligible for free summer meals actually gets them. That means 16.3 million kids who qualify for these meals don’t get them. Millions of Americans who are eligible for SNAP (food stamps) do not use the program.
Did You Know?
- Lack of enough nutritious food impairs a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well in school.
- They are more likely to experience headaches, stomachaches, colds, ear infections and fatigue.
- Children who struggle with hunger are sick more often, recover more slowly, and are more likely to be hospitalized.
