HUNGER IN THE USA

New Census estimates showing 49 million Americans in poverty, more than previously known, is reported Nov 7, 2011 by: The Washington Post and Politico

Hunger in the United States is measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as low or very low food security, that is, “food insecurity.”

Food insecurity is the inability to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food necessary for a healthy life. Any degree of food insecurity can lead to malnutrition and chronic hunger, which threaten a person’s health. In the case of the seriously ill or the very young or very old, malnutrition and under-nourishment can even threaten an individual’s life.

In America, the food insecure, or hungry, may be your neighbors or someone in your workplace. He or she may be the child in school sitting next to your son or daughter.

More information about hunger in Tarrant Area Food Bank’s service region and about the effects of hunger on children, the elderly and communities is offered at North Texas Faces of Hunger, Causes of Hunger, Children and Hunger, Elderly and Hunger and Resources.