Families Matter Most Foundation has an anti-hunger initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the more than 12 million children in America who are at risk of hunger and don't have enough food to live active, healthful lives. Studies show that:

• Children who are under-nourished are more likely to face psychological and physiological problems which impact their health, education, physical and cognitive development
• Undernourished pregnant women tend to have low birth weight babies. Low birth weight babies suffer from more physical illness, as well as impaired growth and development. Undernourished infants are at greater risk of dying within their first year of life.
• Hunger can have a devastating emotional impact on a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. In a society that encourages self-reliance, individuals who need food assistance may hesitate to seek help, experiencing feelings of shame or embarrassment due to circumstances that are out of their control.
• During the school year, about 20.5 million children depend on free or reduced-price school meals to help keep them from going hungry.

Studies further show that a hungry child becomes a diminished adult, thus creating a burden on society. Adults who experienced hunger as children are not well prepared mentally, emotionally, physically or socially to perform in contemporary work environments. Child hunger leads to greater absenteeism and turnover in the work place.

According to the USDA, 12.4 million American children - one in six - are food insecure. One in five children under the age of five live at risk of hunger in 13 states.

Families Matter Most Foundation is committed to building a community of people who are passionate about ensuring that all kids have access to the food and facts they need to eat nutritiously, live balanced lifestyles, and succeed in school and life.

As part of the “Share Our Strength” national program, please join us in championing the fight against childhood hunger.

“No child should go hungry”.