Facts About Hunger In The Usa

Contrary to what many people think, hunger is also a big issue in the world’s most developed nations, especially the United States. It is a sad phenomenon that’s driven not so much by the lack of food as the persistence of poverty.

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The term for this is “food insecurity,” which refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for all the members of the household.It is prevalent in all the US states, with more and more people relying on food banks and pantries. In 2013 alone, a total of 17.5 million households were categorized as food insecure.

Today, 49 million Americans struggle to put food on the table. One of six Americans are facing hunger, with more than one in every five children at risk of going hungry. It’s regrettable that every year, 40% (about $165-billion worth) of food in the country gets thrown out, enough to feed 25 million Americans.

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We must remember that hunger is a condition caused by various complex social and economic factors that leave people without access to sustainable livelihoods. Poverty is its root cause, and is often indicated by marginal income and limited access to healthcare, education, clothing, and shelter. In fact, five of the eight lowest-paying jobs in the USA are in the food system. We must find a way to alleviate hunger, beginning with small gestures and a mindset to effect change.

Randy Benderson is the President of Benderson Development, one of the largest and most diverse real estate developers in the U.S. Even outside the corporate world, the Benderson legacy aims to impact society with philanthropic efforts that will change the lives of thousands. For more on Randy’s work and advocacies, visit this website.