Childhood Hunger

CHILDHOOD HUNGER

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

The 2005 Faces of Hunger in New Mexico reported a 33 percent increase of children served by Roadrunner Food Bank. In a four year period, that increase represents 81,000 children annually. The greatest increase was seen in children under the age of five. The New Mexico Association of Food Banks report also showed that 17 percent of the children are regularlymissing 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 illness including respiratory and ear infections. Research indicates that consistently hungry children experience developmental delays, have learning difficulties and lower self-esteem. In hungry teens, a higher incidence of suicide exists as well as a correlation to obesity.

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

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 3100 elementary-aged children and their younger siblings for weekend consumption. By 2009, Roadrunner’s goal is to expand the program into rural areas and 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 children served by Roadrunner are reached through families. Roadrunner Food Bank currently distributes more than 6 million pounds of fresh foods annually. Access to fresh foods is key to children’s health. Many areas of New Mexico have little or no access to fresh and affordable produce and dairy products. Our new Mobile Food Pantry service will help rural and underserved areas access fresh foods.

To learn more about the 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.