Child Hunger: More Than 17 Percent of Young Children at Risk of Hunger

Poor Nutrition Can Lead to Cognitive and Developmental Damage

More than 17 percent of children under the age of 5 are at risk of hunger in the United States, according to the non-profit advocacy group Feeding America. That equates to an estimated 3.5 million children, all of whom could suffer various degrees of developmental and cognitive damages from poor or inadequate nutrition.

The group based its findings on U.S. Census Bureau and the Agriculture Department data from 2005 to 2007. It is the first look at America's very youngest children and whether their nutritional requirements are being met for them to grow and maintain an active, healthy life.

More than 20 percent of preschoolers are at risk of going hungry in 11 states, with Louisiana having the highest rate at just below 25 percent of children being at risk of hunger. Other states identified as higher risk include North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, South Caroline, Tennessee, Idaho and Arkansas.

The findings are especially troublesome because a lack of nutrition can have a lasting, even lifelong effect, on a child's behavior, physical growth, and academic success in school. While food programs for at-risk children are made available for school-age kids, many preschoolers at risk of hunger may not attend daycare or receive regular medical check-ups in order to be identified and helped.

In a down economy, more and more families are struggling to stay afloat. An economic recession impacts a number of previously financial-stable families, and poverty is on the rise. Food banks and food drives are helping families in need be able to provide proper nutrition to their children. For families, schools, and organizations who are willing, food drives to keep area food pantries stocked to give to those without remains a top plea for helping those in need.

Source: Feeding America, Child Food Insecurity Report, 2009