CHILDHOOD HUNGER TODAY HURTS TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

Nearly 16 million children experienced food insecurity in 2013. Food insecure children and twice as likely to be suspended, 1.6 times more likely to miss school days, and 1.4 times more likely to repeat a grade than children who are not food insecure.  Absenteeism and school discipline problems are associated with lower academic achievement and increased drop out rates.  Children who drop out of school earn less over their lifetimes, contribute less in taxes, and are more likely to become unemployed than graduates.

Source: Council of State Governments, 9/25/14, Hunger Hurts the Workforce