Hunger

Hunger and food insecurity are real issues for some American families. With a total population of approximately 330 million people, roughly 12% are food insecure.

US  Statistics

• • 16.7% of the population in the US struggle with hunger -about 41 million people

  • There are 55 million Americans that struggle with poverty

  • Households with children that are headed by a single woman have the highest rate of food insecurity

  • 16.7% of all children do not know where their next meal is coming from

  • 22 million children rely on school for their meals

  • 12% of senior citizens are food insecure

  • Poverty is directly correlated to hunger, and the poverty rate is going down

  • The average monthly income for those who use food assistance programs is $813/month

  • The average cost of a meal in America is $3.02.

  • New Mexico, Mississippi and Louisiana have some of the highest rates of hunger.

Poverty

Chronic hunger is directly correlated with the number of Americans living at or below the poverty line. In 2021, the poverty line for a family of 4 was $26,500. At the end of 2021, it’s estimated that the United States has 55 million people living in poverty. That number would indicate a dramatic increase from the 2020 census number of 37.2 million people.

Children & Poverty

Child hunger is also a real issue in America. It’s estimated that 16.7% of children do not know where their next meal is coming from. Around 22 million school age children rely on the free or reduced lunch program from school for food. Many schools offer the School Breakfast Program to help offset the cost of these meals for these hungry students. 

Elderly & Poverty

More than 15 million older adults are economically insecure. About 50% of seniors rely on Social Security for the majority of their income. Over the next 10 years, the number of elderly Americans without homes could triple.