HUNGER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE
9 Million
Americans Die from Hunger Each Year
1 in 7
Households in America Are Food Insecure
22 Million
Children Live in Food Deserts
No matter who you are and what you do,
food security is not always guaranteed.
A basic function for living life, and sadly, 48 million Americans go hungry every day. From working families to the disabled, elderly, and children, millions of people are affected by food insecurity. Many families and individuals are faced with the decision to either pay their medical bills or buy food for themselves or the people they love.
At least two-thirds of the people that Stop the Starve served in 2020 all said they had to make some sort of difficult sacrifice in order to take care of their loved ones. One-third of those individuals chose to go hungry in their effort to provide for their loved ones.
Who Among Us Is Most Vulnerable?
At least 1 in 5 children go hungry in America. Most do not have access to or partake in what is considered a healthy and nutritious diet:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fat-free and low-fat dairy products
- Lean protein sources
- Healthy fats/oil
Studies have shown that children require nutritious food for their development as it has proven to lead to better cognitive function for them. Not only do families in America need access to food period, but they need access to healthy food. This is where our network of food banks can fill the gap. Food banks that work with Stop the Starve are dedicated to ending hunger in America. And, they continuously create opportunities to help those people in need.
What Is A Food Desert?
As of 2019, 6.8%, of children in America live in food deserts. These are places that are defined by their distinct lack of access to healthy or affordable foods. Food banks are essential in these areas as they become the beacon for healthy foods for those that simply cannot afford otherwise. Imagine not being able to afford a meal that will help you concentrate, work effectively, and live a healthier life. This is an experience of many who live within these food deserts.
Federal Food Assistance Programs– What They Can Do For You
A fact that may not be known to many is that not all folks are eligible for federal food assistance programs. It probably feels like a giant puzzle when approaching these programs looking for help. Below is a small chart explaining these options.
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
TEFAP
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
WIC
Women, Infants, and Children
| SNAP | TEFAP | WIC |
|---|---|---|
| Provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food | Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost | Provides food for low-income women, children and infants |
| Families, individuals, children, and senior citizens | Families, individuals, children, and senior citizens | Women and children |
Stop the Starve 