Hunger deprives our kids of more than just food

It’s a simple fact: A child’s chance for a bright tomorrow starts with getting enough food to eat today. In the United States, 9 million children may not know where to get their next meal.

Facts about child hunger in America

  • More than 9 million children faced hunger in 2021. That's 1 in 8 kids at risk for hunger.
  • Black and Latino children are more likely to face hunger than white children because of systemic racial injustice. According to the USDA, in 2021, 22% of Black children were food insecure, and 18.5% of Latino children were food insecure.
  • Single-parent families are more likely to face hunger because they need to stretch their income further. In 2021, 24% of households headed by single moms were food insecure. 

What happens when a child faces hunger?

Kids who don’t get enough to eat — especially during their first three years — begin life at a serious disadvantage. Children facing hunger are more likely to be hospitalized and they face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. And as they grow up, kids who missed meals are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.

Children facing hunger may struggle in school — and beyond. They are more likely to:
 

Repeat a grade in elementary school

 

Experience developmental impairments in areas like language and motor skills

 

Have more social and behavioral problems

 

You help us keep children healthy every single day

The Feeding America network serves more than 12 million children in America. In addition to accessing food through traditional food pantries, the Feeding America network also offers specialized programs to help kids get the food they need when they need it most.

On Weekends
BackPack Program
 
After School
Kids Cafe®
 
During Summers
Summer Food Service Programs
 
At Home
School Pantry Program
 
SNAP® Application Assistance Program
 
 
Learn more about important programs that are helping families in need ›