According to new survey findings released by No Kid Hungry, 58% of middle-income households reported experiencing food insecurity over the last year, and of those, 95% reported struggling to afford enough food for their children at least monthly.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that food prices rose 9.5% in February 2023 compared to February 2022. Although families with lower incomes have been hit hardest by rising food prices, food insecurity has become a pressing issue affecting more families with middle incomes across America.
Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia, said it is getting harder for families to feed their children.
“Child hunger is in every Virginia community, and unfortunately what we’re learning is that it’s only getting harder for families to afford food,” said Steely. “The tough reality is, we all have a neighbor, a colleague or a friend struggling to buy groceries and also pay their bills. No parent should have to make those impossible decisions. That’s why we’re so committed to investing in school meals and expanding nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.”
No Kid Hungry’s survey findings sheds light on the extent of this problem:
Families with middle incomes who were surveyed are skipping meals to feed their children.
Many parents surveyed are an unexpected expense away from being able to afford enough food for their children.
Surveyed parents are noticing a negative impact on their children’s well-being.
The struggle to provide three nutritious meals a day for their children is also taking a toll on surveyed parents’ mental health and well-being.
Submitted by No Kid Hungry Virginia