REALITY CHECK: Wealthy Communities Are Not Immune to Childhood Hunger

The richest county in the U.S. boasts a median household income of $142,299 – and has 6.8 percent of its residents at risk of hunger. How is this possible? According to 2013 federal data, over 10,000 of those food-insecure residents in Loudoun County are CHILDREN.

Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Due to COVID-19, the number of people who experience food insecurity continues to rise.

Food insecurity exists in every county – even the wealthiest counties in the U.S. have families who experience it temporarily or long-term. Food pantries and social services are challenged to provide supplemental food resources to those who do not know where their next meal may come from.

Sadly, households with children are the most likely to experience food insecurity; they are the most  vulnerable to the negative impacts of going hungry. Research shows that a lack of nutrition damages a child’s ability to learn and grow. Other studies have shown that children living in food-insecure households have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with chronic asthma and depressive symptoms.  The ramifications of going hungry extend far and wide in the lives of our children. 

Imagine the stress of being a parent and having to choose between buying food or paying the bills. When working parents do not make enough to cover costs but make too much to qualify for federal assistance, they turn to food banks and other community resources to feed their families. COVID-19 has increased the burden on these families and the systems that support them.

So, what can you do to help?

Backpack Buddies works to ensure EVERY child has access to the food they need by fundraising tirelessly – it is through these efforts that we are able to provide grants to the many organizations that partner with us to feed our county’s children. Every $100 donated feeds nearly 20 children. Please consider giving a tax-deductible donation today to provide our Loudoun County families the food and support they need.

DONATE or LEARN MORE about BBFL TODAY.