In 2007, about 16 percent of families with children experienced food shortages, including 0.8 percent of families in which children experienced severe food shortages, according to Feeding America. The effects of hunger on children begin during pregnancy with poor maternal nutrition. Continued hunger during infancy and childhood affects every aspect of a child's development and health. Food provides the building blocks children need to reach their full potential.
Prenatal Nutrition and Early Interaction
Poor prenatal nutrition can cause low birth weigh and premature delivery. Pregnant women who experience hunger cannot provide enough nutrients to a growing fetus. Low birth weight can affect a child's health and development and cause harmful effects well into adulthood. Infants born to parents suffering hunger and malnutrition may not receive the interaction necessary for language and speech development. Physical development may be compromised as well, if parents are physically and mentally unable to provide sufficient stimulation.
Malnutrition and Vitamin Deficiencies
Persistent childhood hunger can cause malnutrition. Children who go without food miss the nutrients, minerals and vitamins their bodies need to grow and develop. Malnourished children don't have enough fat, muscle or energy and their bodies cannot fight illness and disease. The lack of important nutrients leads to diseases and vitamin deficiencies. Infants and children under 5 years of age who experience hunger are especially susceptible to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Children who are iron deficient are at risk for serious and permanent problems with attention, cognition and behavior.
Health and General Well-being
In 2008, childhood hunger contributed to nearly three million deaths of children under the age of 5 around the world, according to Unicef. Hungry and malnourished children have compromised immune systems and are unable to fight off illness and disease. Hungry children are more likely to have chronic illnesses which lead to frequent hospital visits and more hospitalizations than other children.
Impaired Cognitive Development
The first three years of life are the most important for brain and central nervous system development. Hunger impairs a child's cognitive development at a critical time for brain growth and formation. Children who experience hunger prenatally and during their first three year of life are likely to perform poorly academically throughout their school careers.
Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Childhood hunger causes emotional and behavioral problems, and limits social development. Children who are hungry, and who live in homes where finances cause a stressful environment, often have difficulty socializing with peers and exhibit troublesome behavior due to stress, fatigue, poor concentration and poor coping skills.
Long-Term Effects
The effects of childhood hunger continue throughout the child's life. Low birth weight causes low IQ and shortened adult height. Impaired physical and cognitive development, poor health, emotional limitations and behavioral problems limit earning and educational choices for adults.
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