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Hungry is a word that is used in every day conversation. The average person will say or think it at least 11 times
in one day. The problem with this is the average person doesn't know the true meaning of hunger. For most, when the word
hunger enters their mind, it is not difficult to make that thought go away. It is as easy as getting up, walking to the kitchen,
and getting something to eat. If only it were this easy for all.
Even though America is the wealthiest and most bountiful nation in the world, many Americans think hunger and poverty
only occurs in undeveloped countries. While most Americans have encountered someone suffering from hunger and poverty in the
United States, few of us may have actually realized it. Hunger and poverty in the United States is quite different from the
images we often see in undeveloped countries. Instead of starvation or homelessness, hunger is a child who is malnourished
because his or her parents do not earn enough money to buy healthy food and sometimes has to skip meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that in 2006: 35.5 million people lived in households considered
to be food insecure. Of these 35.5 million, 22.9 million are adults (10.4 percent of all adults) and 12.6 million are children
(17.2 percent of all children). The number of people in the worst-off households increased to 11.1 from 10.8 in 2005. This
increase in the number of people in the worst-off category is consistent with other studies and the Census Bureau poverty
data, which show worsening conditions for the poorest Americans. (Retrieved April 3, 2008, Web site: http://www.frac.org/html/hunger_in_the_us/hunger_index.html)
There is a way to help these families. It may be difficult to do, so here is a way to start. Put your self in their
shoes. Imagine working every minute that you can and not having enough money to feed your family. Imagine only being able
to eat one time a day. Imagine being surrounded by others that are well fed and throwing away food. Instead of throwing
away food, try to be conscious of the portions you take. When you go to the grocery store buy something extra that can be
donated to those who need it. There are tons of organizations that are made to help this situation. I have a few listed
on this page, but there are many more. Please find one in your area to help those in need.
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