Hunger is Devastating
Hunger impacts everything from healthy development to learning capacity and emotional health.
Hungry children do not perform well in school. Research indicates that hunger significantly impacts a child’s ability to learn and retain complex information.
Hunger increases children’s susceptibility to illness and disease. It hampers growth and impairs their bodies ability to effectively fight off infections.
Hungry children also face challenges in emotional development. They are at a greater risk of experiencing behavioral issues, engaging in antisocial behavior, and exhibiting violence.
Hunger is Ubiquitous
Hunger is a pervasive issue. Despite its devastating effects, child hunger is alarmingly common. Nearly one in five children in the United States will experience hunger.
The World Food Program estimates that around 148 million children suffer from hunger and malnutrition, making it one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide.
Over 14 million children in the United States do not have enough to eat.
In Washington State, over 281,000 children are currently suffering from hunger.
Hunger is Growing
There is no dispute: more children than ever before are going hungry in Washington and across the United States.
In 2023, hunger is reported at 13.2% in Washington, with many more families on the brink of food insecurity.
During these challenging times, food benefits and programs are facing significant cutbacks, while demand remains at record highs. Food banks in Washington State have reported some of their highest levels of demand ever.
In the U.S., roughly 30.1 million children depend on SNAP and school-based nutrition programs. However, a staggering 50% to 60% of these students lack access to free lunch programs during the summer months, creating a critical spike in childhood food insecurity.