New research on how food insecurity affects children

In 2009, 21.3 percent of American households with children experienced food insecurity, which means they had limited or uncertain access to adequate food at all times for an active, healthy life. In the current economic downturn, even more children may be at risk. Food insecurity is a public health problem with serious consequences for children, including greater likelihood of depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, birth defects, and behavior problems. 

This brief—issued during Hunger Action Month—summarizes a longer Social Policy Report  from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Click here to view the full report.