Rising Food Prices & Childhood Hunger
According to new survey findings released by No Kid Hungry, 58% of middle-income households reported experiencing food insecurity over the last year, and of those, 95% reported struggling to afford enough food for their children at least monthly.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices rose 9.5% in February 2023 compared to February 2022. Although families with lower incomes have been hit hardest by rising food prices, food insecurity has become a pressing issue affecting more families with middle incomes across America.
No Kid Hungry’s survey sheds light on the extent of this problem:
- Families with middle incomes who were surveyed are skipping meals to feed their children.
- Many parents surveyed are an unexpected expense away from being able to afford enough food for their children.
- Surveyed parents are noticing a negative impact on their children’s well-being.
- The struggle to provide three nutritious meals a day for their children is also taking a toll on surveyed parents’ mental health and well-being.
Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia, offered this reflection:
- “Child hunger is in every Virginia community, and unfortunately what we’re learning is that it’s only getting harder for families to afford food. The tough reality is, we all have a neighbor, a colleague or a friend struggling to buy groceries and also pay their bills,” said Steely. “No parent should have to make those impossible decisions. That’s why we’re so committed to investing in school meals and expanding nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.”
To meet the need and support families facing food insecurity, we need programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the school meals programs to be stronger and easier to access than ever. We must advocate for a Farm Bill that protects and strengthens SNAP benefits. You can count on No Kid Hungry to keep you informed of ways you can use your voice throughout the Farm Bill process.
To learn more or get involved, visit nokidhungry.org.