Hungry persons include those sleeping in the street and begging for food as well as families with hard-working parents unable to earn enough to get by. However, research by several national organizations has shown that hunger arising from economic circumstances continues to be a major problem in the United States. With some slight variations, the surveys all point to very similar statistics. Approximately 10 million persons in the U.S. suffer from hunger. Another 20 million persons experience food insecurity or require food assistance to meet their nutritional needs.
Senior citizens comprise another dangerously at risk group of hungry persons.
A 1993 study by the Urban Institute found that 5 million elderly have no food in the house or worry about getting enough to eat. All over the country, waiting lists for food programs serving elderly populations are growing. Contrary to myth, many hungry persons in the U.S. do work, but are unable to earn enough to support themselves and their families. In 60 percent of households in which children under 12 experience hunger, at least one member is employed. This article is derived from a document that was completed in July 1998.