* Children who struggle with hunger are sick more often, recover more slowly, and are more likely to be hospitalized, at an average cost of $12,000 per pediatric stay.
* They are more likely to experience headaches, stomachaches, colds, ear infections and fatigue.
* Children who face hunger are more susceptible to obesity and its harmful health consequences as children and as adults.
* Undernourished children 0-3 years of age cannot learn as much, as fast or as well because their condition changes the fundamental architecture of the brain and central nervous system.
* Lack of enough nutritious food impairs a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well in school.
* Children who don’t get enough nutritious food are more susceptible to the negative effects of skipping breakfast on their ability to think and learn. Those effects include memory, test scores, tardiness and absenteeism.
* Children who regularly do not get enough nutritious food to eat have significantly higher levels of behavioral, emotional and academic problems and show increased aggression and anxiety.
* Teens who regularly do not get enough to eat are more likely to see a psychologist, be suspended from school and have difficulty getting along with other kids.
* Teachers report higher levels of hyperactivity, absenteeism and tardiness among children who don’t get enough nutritious food.
* Hungry children lack the energy to handle complex social interactions or adapt effectively to environmental stresses.
* Creating public-private partnerships at the state level to break down barriers that prevent kids from accessing the food they need.
* Feeding hungry kids where they live, learn, and play. In 2009, thanks to a lot of team work, we helped provide 4.5 million more meals to needy children.
* Educating children and families about nutrition and healthy eating. Through Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline®, we have reached nearly 60,000 families, spreading knowledge on how to budget for groceries and cook great tasting and nutritious foods.
* Building awareness of the childhood hunger crisis and a drive for change among all Americans. Using as many channels as possible we are making No Kid Hungry a shared national priority.
Purchase one of these items and 5% of the proceeds will go directly to No Kid Hungry.
Childhood hunger lives in your neighborhood, so start there. These are just a few ways you can help.
Host a Bake Sale
Hold a Food Drive
Volunteer at a Local Food Pantry
Visit nokidhungry.org to see even more ways you can help put an end to childhood hunger
*A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. There is a limit of three text donations ($30) per phone number, per month for carriers other than Verizon Wireless. Verizon customers can make up to five text donations ($50) per phone number, per month. Donations are collected for the benefit of "Share Our Strength" by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code "20222"; Reply HELP to "20222" for help. To view the privacy policy for the Mobile Giving Foundation click here.
