Challenging Childhood Hunger

Adults can usually tell when an empty stomach is making them feel “hangry” or less focused. If a child, however, is acting out or feeling tired, they may not be able to attribute those feelings to an empty stomach.

Children need healthy diets to grow, learn, and thrive. Millions of children across the United States face food insecurity every day, even prior to the pandemic. In Wisconsin alone, 1 in 8 children are facing hunger right now.

Childhood hunger is closely linked to asthma, anemia, obesity, and stunted growth. These children are also at a higher risk for psychological developmental problems including hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggression.

The PB&J Challenge is just one avenue that Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is using to confront this issue. The month-long challenge will ensure that peanut butter and jelly are available to households at the plentiful – all year long! Along with being rich in protein, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is easy enough for children to make by themselves if their parents or guardians aren’t available.

Children deserve to be happy and healthy. If you would like to take on the challenge during the month of February, click here to help Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin fight childhood hunger.