Hunger and education
When a child’s stomach is empty and aching, focusing in school is nearly impossible. Research continues to show that, without the energy food provides, a child’s brain is unable to process information, concentrate or even sleep well—which further exacerbates low energy and concentration levels.
Hunger disrupts learning, leading to poor academic performance. For many children facing food insecurity, they miss school entirely—either too weak to attend or forced to work so their families can afford food.
Hunger and physical health
Without proper nutrition, a child’s growth may be stunted, and they are at increased risk of acute malnourishment. Acute malnourishment is a severe condition that can lead to muscle wasting, blurred vision, organ damage and, if untreated, death.
Hunger and emotional well-being
Eating nutritious, delicious food releases dopamine—a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward, motivation and pleasure—in the brain. When a child is deprived of food, this “happy hormone” isn’t released. Furthermore, a poor diet in childhood is linked to inflammatory responses in the area of the brain that regulates emotions. Meaning: hunger and malnutrition can lead to children developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Uncertainty over when—or if—the next meal will come creates constant anxiety in children. Hungry children are overwhelmed with worries about survival, school and their future—robbing them of the joy of childhood and, oftentimes, hope for their future.