How to End Hunger in the U.S.

By Maegan Clark

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: May 30, 2012

A home to 300 million people, the U.S. has an estimated 49.1 million people living in hunger and poverty. That's one in six struggling to have enough to eat. In the land of the plenty, healthy foods aren't accessible enough to all who are in need. So what steps can we do today to make an impact in the U.S.?

1. Learn the fact about U.S. hunger from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2. Share the facts with your family, friends, and co-workers about the effects hunger and poverty can cause:

  • Children who do not receive an adequate diet have a harder time learning and keeping up in school.
  • Children and adults who are hungry are more vulnerable to common illnesses.
  • Adults who experience malnutrition may have weak muscles, bone or joint pain, and be unable to job related tasks at maximum speed.

3. Get involved by volunteering with organizations that provide assistance to those in need.

  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank by organizing and passing out food.
  • Donate non-perishable goods to shelters and charities in your community.
  • Invite over those in need for a meal or two a week.
  • Give without spending with these easy online tools.

Two significant pockets of poverty in the United States are the Mississippi River Delta in Arkansas and Southern Appalachia. Heifer USA is focusing its work in these two regions. Watch this video to learn more: