Hunger Still a Problem in America

As Thanksgiving approaches many Americans are still left with an inadequate supply of food. The group that suffers most from this is the children of these families.
Hunger Still a Problem in America
11/28/2013
Updated:
11/28/2013

The annual celebration of Thanksgiving in American culture allows us to reflect upon the things in life we are most thankful for. For many of us, food is taken and expected during this time of the year. But, for many Americans, good quality nutritious food can still be a scarce commodity. 

With nearly 100 years of social programs it becomes hard to imagine a country as prosperous as the United States with citizens that still have a hard time getting enough to eat every day. But, there are actually a variety of situations that lead to little or poor nutrition, usually among lower-class children. 

According to nokidhungry.org, nearly 16 million children struggle with hunger and are not getting enough to eat at home. Statistically, that is about one in five children. Additionally, 62 percent of teachers regularly see children who come to school hungry. 

Oftentimes, it is not a simple enough issue of whether or not the social program exists but whether or not it is being used or used accordingly. Many of these children come from single-parent households where the single parent is working one or more jobs and is unable to feed the child. In 2011, the percentage of children from single-parent homes was 35 percent, or 24,718,000 children, according to kidscount.org. 

These children, and even the overworked parents, are forced into the quick (usually low nutrition) snacks as a meal or nothing at all. Many of these parents often rely on school districts to ensure the nutritional needs of their children. But, in many school districts that only includes lunch and maybe breakfast. 

More over, in 2012, 49 million Americans lived in food insecure households. This included approximately 5 percent of all U.S. households or approximately 6 million households resorting to food pantries or soup kitchens one or more times during the year, according to feedingamerica.org.

However, there are many organizations in America aimed at turning the tide of this social problem. For example, The No Kid Hungry Organization has a three-tiered mission aimed at ending childhood hunger in America. According to its site, the organization believes in not only helping to connect children with food programs such as breakfast programs but also to educate children and parents about budgeting for groceries and how to cook affordable nutritious meals.