Hunger in America often looks different than people expect. It’s not just about malnourished children abroad. In the U.S., hunger can be hidden in the behaviors of a restless child in class or in the anxiety of parents stretching limited food supplies.
Take Marilyn Vargas, for instance. In November, after a snowstorm, she visited a pop-up food pantry at a community center in Easthampton, Massachusetts. She pushed a cart filled with chicken, cookies, rice, and beans for her family of six. Vargas relies on her disability check and assistance programs like SNAP to get by. When benefits were delayed in November 2019 due to a government shutdown, she felt panic wash over her.
Reflecting on past struggles, Vargas shared how, in North Carolina, a job loss left her without food. “I was desperate,” she recalled, emphasizing that she often gave her children whatever little food they had.
Despite moving to a place with better access to resources, Vargas remains worried about food insecurity. “I don’t think politicians understand hunger because many haven’t experienced it,” she said. This sentiment aligns with data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reported that 13% of American households were food insecure in 2023. However, much of this data is nearly obsolete as the annual survey has been halted.
Experts like Mariana Chilton from the University of Massachusetts highlight that many people mistakenly believe hunger only looks a certain way. She says many assume hungry children must have obvious signs like distended bellies. But hunger can show up in less visible ways, like tired teens who can’t participate in sports or children struggling to focus in class.
Studies reveal that even short bouts of hunger can disrupt brain development, particularly in young children. They need proper nutrition for healthy growth. Brain cells are developing rapidly, and any interruption can affect their social and emotional skills. Dr. Diana Cutts from the University of Minnesota points out that contrary to popular belief, trauma and adversity rarely make children stronger. Instead, they often contribute to long-term health problems.
Mary Cowhey, a retired teacher from western Massachusetts, knows this pain firsthand. Growing up in a large family on Long Island, food was often scarce. She hated the feeling of envy when her classmates had nice lunches. Even in tough times as a single mother, Cowhey sought help instead of shying away from it, showing that seeking assistance can break the cycle of hunger.
Despite challenges, Cowhey went on to earn a degree and work in education. However, she suffers from osteoporosis, a reminder of her childhood’s nutritional deficits.
For Cowhey and others, the psychological impact of hunger doesn’t disappear. She describes herself as an “opportunistic eater,” a habit formed from years of scarcity. Even now, when she sees food, she feels the need to consume it, fearing it might not be available tomorrow.
This concern resonates with many in America today. Political discussions often focus on cutting SNAP benefits due to concerns over fraud, but experts like Chilton believe this becomes a political strategy that overlooks the real-life consequences such decisions have on families.
Hunger is a complex issue that goes beyond simple need. It’s tied to emotional well-being, mental health, and even future potential. As experts point out, understanding the multifaceted nature of hunger is crucial for effective policy-making.
To learn more about food insecurity in America, visit the USDA.
