The Impact of Hunger

The impact of hunger on our community
Everyone wants to live in a healthy community, where children, families and seniors can grow, work, prosper and lead healthy, productive lives. 

Research shows that access to nutritious food is the key to a healthy community, where children do well in school, families thrive and seniors are not choosing between buying food and other necessities. Providing nutritious food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, in underserved areas improves the community’s health and its economic vitality.     

Food insecurity contributes to poor health, lower productivity and higher medical costs. In adults, poor nutrition can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and fatigue. Learn more about the health impacts of hunger: 

Impact of Hunger, Feeding America 

Childhood Hunger
The effect of food insecurity on children includes low birth weights, more frequent illness and delayed cognitive development resulting in poor educational outcomes. Learn more about the impacts of childhood hunger:

Child Development, Feeding America 

Senior Hunger
Since January 2011, 10,000 people a day have turned 65.  By 2040, one in five Americans will be senior. Seniors are often at risk for food insecurity because they’re less mobile, have health issues and often live alone. Learn more about senior hunger:

Spotlight on Senior Health: Adverse Health Outcomes of Food Insecure Older Americans, National Foundation to End Senior Hunger   
Senior Hunger,  Feeding America 

Hunger and Obesity
Obesity and hunger used to be considered separate public health issues. Today there is growing evidence that low-income households, which often struggle with food insecurity and hunger, are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity. Learn more about hunger and obesity:

Fighting Obesity and Hunger, Food Research and Action Centerl
Overweight and Obesity: Causes and Consequences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention