Prevalence of Hunger Among Youth
- Statistics: According to the latest estimates from organizations like the United Nations, around 345 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity, and a significant portion of this population includes children and adolescents. source
- Youth-Specific Data: The Global Nutrition Report indicates that approximately 149 million children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, highlighting the widespread impact of hunger on the younger population.source
- In the U.S., approximately 12.5 million children live in food-insecure households, which equates to about 17% of kids not having enough to eat. The pandemic has exacerbated these figures, with many families facing increasing challenges link link
Mental Health Issues
There is a correlation between food insecurity and mental health challenges among adolescents, including anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioral issues. Link
Demographics
Food insecurity is particularly high among certain demographics. For instance, around 26% of Black and Hispanic households have food-insecure children, compared to 13% among White households. This highlights the racial disparities in food access. Link
Effects on Academic Performance
Youth who experience food insecurity tend to have lower GPAs and are less likely to engage in healthy activities such as sports. This impacts their physical health and educational outcomes. Link