Two children grinning and holding a turkey

Why does hunger happen — and how does it impact our neighbors?

Food insecurity in the U.S. isn't caused by a shortage of food — it's caused by barriers that keep communities from accessing enough food to thrive. Here's what you need to know.

47M+

people face food insecurity in the U.S.
1

1 in 5

children don't have enough to eat
2

100%

of U.S. counties are affected by hunger
2
The Causes

What drives hunger in the U.S.

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Low or unstable income

When wages are inadequate — or when income becomes unpredictable due to missed paychecks, irregular hours, or even a sudden layoff — a household can be pushed into food insecurity overnight.
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High cost of living

Despite budgeting, rising rents, grocery prices and child care costs can stretch budgets thin — especially for neighbors who live on a fixed income.
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Poor health

Managing a chronic health condition or accessing health care can be costly, making it harder to afford the fresh, nutritious foods that strengthen overall well-being.
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Where you live

Limited or no access to transportation or a grocery store in a community can make it harder to get the food we all need to thrive.
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Systemic barriers

Even as families draw on their strengths to work toward a better future, historical and ongoing discrimination have created disparities in who faces food insecurity.
The impacts

How hunger impacts our neighbors

Hunger doesn't just mean an empty plate. Hunger impacts our neighbors' ability to learn, work and grow — leading to ripple effects across our communities and economies.

A woman holding a turkey

Heather's Story

"We went from not thinking about food, and being able to buy whatever food we needed, to becoming food insecure. It started slow, like a slow drip. And then as life happened, and as things progressed, it became this big flood coming, just flooding everything."

An elderly man holding fresh greens outside of a food pantry

Kenny's Story

"The [City Harvest Food Bank] market makes it easier. There's no judgment. Just food. Just people helping people. I don't need much. But this helps me give my family something. That means everything."

A woman in a scarf smiling

Suzette's Story

"It’s truly a gift. It’s nutrition, it’s vegetables, it’s fruit, it’s grains, it’s balanced. I’m in a place right now where it can be hard to get that nutritious food. Places like [Food Bank of Northwest Indiana] make sure it’s there for me."

Find your role in the movement to end hunger.

There are many ways to make a difference, from donating to volunteering to speaking up.
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