Summer Hunger

Worldwide: Every five seconds a child will die from complications of hunger (Black, Saul, Bryce, 2003). 963 million individuals suffer from hunger and malnutrition (2008 Food Security Statistics).

United States: 1 in 10 households suffer from hunger, 35.5 million individuals, 12.6 million children (USDA Economic Research Service, 2005).

Let’s bring those statistics a little closer to home. Across West Texas, 1 in 5 individuals do not know where their next meal will come from or if there will be a next meal. Are they sitting next you in church? Are they playing with your kids at the park? Do they walk past you on the neighborhood walking path? Next time you find yourself in a large crowd think about how many people around you, statistically, do not know where they will get their next meal.

Summer is a particularly busy time at food banks all across the country. The South Plains Food Bank (SPFB) is no exception. At first glance one might wonder why summer? In the 21 West Texas counties the SPFB serves, 65% of the children receive free or reduced priced lunches during the school year, compared to a statewide average of 59% (2008 Kids Count Report). Translate that to summer and it stands to reason those same children are daily wondering if they are going to get even two full meals a day. This is commonly known as food insecurity.

So what exactly is food insecurity and what consequences manifest for the millions of Americans who suffer from food insecurity? USDA defines food insecurity as disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake (www.usda.gov). There are multiple physical and mental consequences of food insecurity. Immune systems are weakened, stomachaches and headaches are more common, fatigue and dehydration become realities and as a result there are more hospitalizations among individuals who suffer from food insecurity. Additionally, children can develop behavioral difficulties and become impaired in all aspects of school performance.

Seem a little overwhelming? Perhaps, but don’t let that stop you from lending a helping hand. The SPFB offers various opportunities throughout the year for you to get involved. For the next few days I’m going to highlight different ways the West Texas community can get involved and help ensure nutritious meals for our neighbors and friends.

“One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something.” Henry David Thoreau