CHILDHOOD HUNGER

Childhood hunger is epidemic in New Mexico. One of three people served by Roadrunner Food Bank is a child - with more than 85,000 children receiving emergency food assistance each year.  New Mexico consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of children at risk of hunger, with over one-quarter, or 27.5 percent, living in poverty.

The Faces of Hunger in New Mexico 2005 report conducted by the New Mexico Association of Food Banks, shows a 33 percent increase in four years in the number of children being served by Roadrunner Food Bank, increasing to 81,000.   The greatest increase was seen in children under the age of five.  The survey also shows that 17 percent of the children are regularly missing meals and another 22 percent are not eating enough food.

Hunger in children leaves lasting physical and emotional effects.  Hungry children are more prone to illnesses including respiratory and ear infections.  Scientific research indicates that consistently hungry children experience developmental delays, have difficulty learning and lower self-esteem.  In teens, there is a higher incidence of suicide.  Additionally, there is a correlation to obesity and hunger in children.

Roadrunner Food Bank’s Healthy Children Initiative targets children’s specific nutritional needs and increases access to essential healthy foods.  During the next three years, Roadrunner Food Bank’s goal is to increase food distribution statewide to 18 million pounds of food per year. Our goal is to have a minimum of 9 million pounds be in fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats.

Food For Kids -- Approximately 54 percent of New Mexican children are eligible for free or reduced meals at school, but have little or no food on the weekends. Roadrunner Food Bank’s Food For Kids program provides food to children on a weekly basis in 35 low-income elementary schools.  Kid-friendly, nutritious foods are sent home in backpacks weekly to 2600 elementary-aged children and their younger siblings.  By 2009, Roadrunner’s goal is to expand the program into the rural areas and to reach 3650 children weekly.

Fresh Foods  --  Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, milk and meats are essential to every child’s development. The majority of the children served by Roadrunner are reached through families. Roadrunner Food Bank currently distributes over 6 million pounds of fresh foods annually. By 2009, Roadrunner’s goal is to increase produce distribution to over 9 million pounds and to include fresh fruits and vegetables as part of our Food For Kids program.

Access to fresh foods is key to children’s health.  Significant areas of New Mexico have little or no access to fresh and affordable produce and dairy products.   By extending Roadrunner’s Mobile Pantry service, we will deliver fresh foods to areas not previously reached.

To learn more about the devastating effects of childhood hunger in New Mexico, or how you can help Roadrunner Food Bank address the needs of hungry children, please call us at 505-247-2052 ext 124.