Hunger: it's not a game

Hunger: it's not a game What is food security? In 2009, 16.2% or 1,028,000 Hoosiers were food insecure. For children, that percentage was 24.5% – about 389,000 hungry kids. The USDA's definition has four sections: high, marginal, low, and very low food security. The last two count as "food insecure." low very low Reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet; little or no indication of reduced food intake Multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake food insecure food insecure 16.2% 24.5% Hoosiers Hoosier children Not having dinner every night can cause a series of negative outcomes before a child is even born. low food security has a domino effect birth obesity mental health Hungry mothers don't get enough nutrients to support their own needs, much less an unborn child's. Insecure families buy inexpensive food - usually high in sodium, sugar, and calories, but low in nutrients. Being a hungry child increases the likelihood of mental health issues later on in life. low birthweight infant deaths - birth defects, (cleft palate, spina bifida, and brain defects) - negative effect on infant health, growth, and development - 28 times more likely to be overweight or obese at age 4 2 - five times more likely to be overweight at age 12 - four times more likely to require mental health counseling - seven times more likely to be classified clinically dysfunctional - seven times more likely to get into frequent fights education dental health long-term costs Hunger limits cognitive and socio- emotional development, which makes schoolwork suffer. Those cheap, high-in-sugar foods also increase the chances of childhood tooth decay. Insecure families are already in poor finances, but the effects of hunger compound their expenses. - 13% lower on math and reading - increased instances of hyperactivity, absenteeism, and poor behavior - twice as likely to receive special education and repeat a grade - a single instance of bad tooth decay can cost up to s6,000 for families without insurance - medical costs (birth complications, obesity, and dental work) - special education doubles the cost of school -repeating a grade doubles it again BUT! social programs have been shown to disrupt the dominoes WIC SNAP NSLP / SBP The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education and food vouchers. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or "Food Stamps," provides families a card to purchase food items. The National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast (SBP) programs provide nutritious meals to children in school. better overall vitamin and mineral intake lower rates of hospitalization - reduces incidence of low birthweight and fetal mortality - preschoolers have increased iron and lower incidence of iron-deficiency anemia - saves between s1.77 and $3.13 in Medicaid costs for each dollar spent - in 2011, NSLP served 135.3 million meals - 45-5% of Indiana children were enrolled Along with government programs, Indiana's network of 11 Feeding America (FA) food banks serve nearly 700,000 Hoosiers annually. Every donated bag of food can give food security to a hungry family. Sources: Reading, Writing, & Hungry. Partnership for America's Economic Success (2008). Available at: http:/iwww.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id%=46296 Map the Meal Gap. Feeding America (2011). Available at: http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx Find your local agency for more information: www.in.gov/isdh/20424.htm www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2999.htm contact your school www.feedingamerica.org WIC: facebook.com/ indianayouth twitter.com/ indiana_youth www.iyi.org SNAP: NSLP: The Indiana Youth Institute May 2012 FA: