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.
The Causes
What drives hunger in the U.S.
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.
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.
Poor health
People experiencing food insecurity face higher rates of diet related illness, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, along with higher health care costs.
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.
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.
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."
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."
Suzette's Story
"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.
Victoria and Olivia, Virginia
Victoria, Virginia