Approximately 11 percent of children lack consistent access to adequate food, according to a new report by the National Center for Children in Poverty. Good insecurity among children rose sharply in 2008 after remaining between 8 and 9.5 percent for nearly a decade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food security as having, “dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living.”
The report states:
There is a large body of research that establishes the consequences of poverty for children’s lives. Although less is known about the role of material hardship – particularly food insecurity – in influencing children’s health and well-being, there is a growing body of research suggesting that food insecurity can result in poor cognitive development, socio-emotional development, and health outcomes for children.