In many ways, Iowa is the land of plenty. But for 1 in 13 Iowans, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different.
Right now, millions of Americans and 7.3% of Iowans are struggling with hunger. This translates to nearly 229,500 Iowans, including 80,190 children, being forced to make tough decisions about providing food for their families or paying their rent or mortgage, paying for transportation, or paying for medical bills. These are choices that no one should have to make.
We all know, and are in contact, with people affected by hunger, even though we might not be aware of it. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days. Most of us simply have no idea. It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America and work together to address them.
Learn more about hunger and its impacts on education, health, and the economy.