Consistent hunger, even just over weekends and extended school breaks, can set a child back for life. Most people aren’t aware that there is a significant number of children living with chronic hunger in our community.
Child Hunger in Our Community
According to the Region of Waterloo, approximately ten percent of households are struggling with food insecurity. It is estimated that at least 3,000 children in our community do not have access to the nourishment they need to thrive mentally, physically, or socially.
Families — and especially children — are affected by so many variables that can put them in a position of need, including financial constraints, physical and mental illness, breakdown of family structure, addiction, and so many other struggles. For most families we work with, it is not a choice… it’s often a series of circumstances. With the effects of a recent pandemic, accelerating inflation, and stretched supply chains, the cost of both food and rent is skyrocketing. This makes it harder than ever for families living in poverty to keep food on the table.
School nutrition programs help, but these programs only exist during the week. Many children living with chronic hunger cannot easily access the food bank due to its hours or location or, if they can, the food they receive just isn’t enough. That’s where Food4Kids Waterloo Region comes in.
The Effects of Chronic Hunger
We know that consistent hunger can be crippling for children. Kids who arrive to class hungry can lose hours of productivity per school day.
They are also:
- At greater risk of exploitation in pursuit of food
- More likely to have poorer health or a diagnosed chronic condition, such as asthma
- Make slower gains in math and reading, and more likely to fall behind overall in school
- Exhibit higher rates of behavioural problems and psychosocial deficits, as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression
- More likely to be overweight or underweight due to poor diet or overeating and the unpredictability of food
- At great risk of developing depression and suicidal ideation in adolescence years due to the ever-present sense of instability and insecurity
Children who eat over the weekend and during school breaks exhibit improved memory, reduced absenteeism, and an improved overall mood. They can focus on their lessons and participate more fully in class, and relate to their peers better, through cooperation and working in teams. Not worrying about where their next meal is coming from helps kids “be kids”, and also results in parents and siblings who are less stressed.
Some indicators of hunger include:
- The child arriving at school each day hungry and without any food. No breakfast, lunch, or snacks.
- The child arrives at school with a sore stomach or headache. At this point, the child’s body has broken down and they are simply hungry. Once provided with food, the child can focus and function.
- Educators have shared that some children wait until all other children leave the classroom and take bits of food and sandwiches out of the garbage. This, and grazing the snack bowl, is the only food they have for the day.
Many parents in our program tell us they have a choice each month: pay rent or buy food. It’s a choice of being homeless or hungry. Most choose to be hungry.
Help Kids in Waterloo Region
Consistent hunger, even just over weekends and extended school breaks, can set a child back for life. Most people aren’t aware that there is a significant number of children living with chronic hunger in our community.
Your donation can make a difference to kids in Waterloo Region.