Compromises and coping strategies
The median annual income for households served by the Feeding America network is $9,175. In our 2014 Hunger in America study, our neighbors told us about the choices they face due to limited resources:
They also told us about the many ways they stretch their food budget or work to supplement it:
The impact of hunger on health
Hunger and health are deeply connected. People who are food insecure are disproportionally affected by diet-sensitive chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and according to research, food insecurity is also linked to many adverse effects to overall health.
Hunger and child development
For children, food insecurity is particularly devastating. Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school-age children.