Moms Against Poverty Battles Hunger in America

The Reality of Hunger in the United States

Over 16 million children face child hunger in America every year—that’s one in five children struggling with food access and adequate nutrition. While we often focus on poverty in developing nations, the reality is that many families right here in the U.S. face hardship and food insecurity daily.

Although school meal programs offer a safety net during the academic year, many children go hungry at home or during summer breaks when these services are unavailable. For these families, the challenges go far beyond just skipping a meal. Food insecurity affects every part of a child’s life—from their health to their academic performance.

How Food Insecurity in the United States Impacts Children

Research consistently shows that food insecurity in the United States is more than just a nutrition issue. Hunger severely affects a child’s ability to concentrate, participate in class, and retain information. Elementary school children who experience hunger are twice as likely to repeat a grade.

But academic setbacks aren’t the only problem. Children without adequate food are also more likely to experience recurring health issues like fatigue, stomach aches, headaches, and frequent infections. These symptoms create a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break without intervention.

The Role of Nutrition Programs for Low-Income Families

Moms Against Poverty created its Nutrition Outreach Program specifically to address this crisis. By supporting nutrition programs for low-income families, Moms Against Poverty ensures that children not only receive meals during school hours but also have food security at home.

The program is designed to help families who are often forced to choose between basic necessities—like paying the electric bill or buying groceries. Moms Against Poverty ‘s initiative removes this impossible choice by delivering high-quality protein, vegetables, and other essentials directly to schools, shelters, and community centers.

How Child Hunger Affects Learning in School

The link between hunger and academic performance is clear. How child hunger affects learning in school is not just a matter of poor grades—it’s about long-term potential. Children who are constantly hungry face developmental setbacks that extend far into adulthood, impacting their ability to succeed in higher education and the workforce.

That’s why Moms Against Poverty is committed to expanding its reach and delivering consistent, nutritious meals to as many families as possible.

Supporting Nonprofit Food Programs for Children in the U.S.

There is no excuse for hunger in a country as wealthy as ours. Through nonprofit food programs for children in the U.S., like the one operated by Moms Against Poverty, we have a real opportunity to eliminate this crisis. Every donation and contribution fuels this mission and supports the children who need it most.

Moms Against Poverty ’s mission is simple: no child in America should go hungry. And with your support, we can make that vision a reality.

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[1]  “Definitions of Food Security.” USDA ERS – Definitions of Food Security, www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/definitions-of-food-security.aspx.