Childhood Hunger

Hunger is a Reality for Children in America

THIS YEAR, NEARLY 1 IN 4 CHILDREN IN AMERICA STRUGGLE WITH HUNGER. THAT'S ALMONST 17 MILLION KIDS.

Why is hunger affecting more people in our country than ever before?

childhood hunger in america

Why is hunger affecting more people in our country than ever before?

  • 744,000 more children live in poverty now than a year ago.
  • The national unemployment rate reached double digits in 2009, the highest level in more than two decades.
  • The struggling economy has put millions of previously stable American families at risk.
  • Effective public and private programs designed to help bridge the gaps between families in need and nutritious food are being underutilized. For example, 5.3 million more Americans used SNAP (food stamps) in an average month last year than the year before…but millions more are eligible and aren’t using the program. 10 million kids eligible for school breakfast are not receiving them, and only 1 of every 6 kids eligible for free summer meals actually get them.

Did You Know?

  • Children who struggle with hunger are sick more often, recover more slowly, and are more likely to be hospitalized.
  • Children who face hunger are more susceptible to obesity and its harmful health consequences as children and as adults.
  • Children who don’t get enough nutritious food are more susceptible to the negative effects of skipping breakfast on their ability to think and learn. Those effects include memory, test scores, tardiness and absenteeism.