Tough choices. Devastating consequences.

Imagine that you had just enough money to buy food for the week, with nothing left over to pay your utility bills or buy bus fare to get to work.

Many families experiencing hunger face these tough choices every day.

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:

 
69%
Had to choose between food and utilities
 
67%
Had to choose between food and transportation
 
66%
Had to choose between food and medical care
 
57%
Had to choose between food and housing
 
31%
Had to choose between food and education
 

They also told us about the many ways they stretch their food budget or work to supplement it:

 
79%
Purchase inexpensive, unhealthy food
 
53%
Receive help from friends or family
 
40%
Water down food or drinks
 
35%
Sell or pawn personal property
 
23%
Grow food in a garden
 

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.

Wheat