Issue Overview: Hunger in America

The Facts

• 38 million people face hunger in the U.S. — including more than 12 million children

• The pandemic has increased food insecurity among families with children and communities of color

• Rural communities are especially hard hit by hunger

• Millions of people in America are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger

• 1 in every 6 kids may not know where they will get their next meal

• Children facing hunger are more likely to be hospitalized. As they grow up, kids who missed meals are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations

Ask Questions: Help Kids Imagine What Hunger Would Feel Like

• Have you ever felt hungry for a long time? How do you feel when you've missed a snack or when you have to wait for lunch?

• How would you feel if you couldn't eat for a whole day?

• What things would be harder to do if you were hungry?

• How would it feel to go to school hungry? Take a test? Have recess?

• Why is it important to continue to donate food to our local food pantry and not just do it one time?

• How else can we help people who are hungry?