This same USDA study reported that Washington State has the 8th worst level of food insecurity among its citizens in the nation. One in four of our state's children are hungry, or at risk of being hungry. Last year, Food Lifeline served more than 400,000 hungry people in Western Washington. In King County alone, Food Lifeline fed approximately 250,000 hungry men, women and children last year. Low birth weight babies suffer from more physical illness, as well as impaired growth and development.
Undernourished infants are at greater risk of dying within their first year of life.
Chronic hunger in adults weakens bones and muscles, increases the risk of illness, worsens existing health problems, and contributes to depression and lack of energy. Hunger in adults also produces nervousness, irritability, and difficulty in concentration. Children who are hungry may be less attentive, independent, and curious. Children who are hungry also often experience headaches, fatigue, frequent colds, and other illnesses that may cause them to be less physically active. In a culture that encourages self-reliance, individuals who need food assistance may hesitate to seek help.