September is recognized as National Hunger Awareness Month, though awareness of child hunger extends beyond a single month. For some children and families this can span over the course of years, which feels like a lifetime.
Food-insecurity affects 14 million children in the United States. That’s 1 in 5 children who experience hunger.
According to the nonprofit No Kid Hungry, “As you might imagine, hunger is a problem that most often affects children from families living on low incomes. A common way we measure poverty is the federal poverty level, a number set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal poverty level is the minimum amount of money a family needs each year to afford the necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter and transportation.
“In 2025, the federal poverty level was $32,150 for a family of four. Of course, this number is a minimum. Families making twice that much are still considered low-income by most experts, and many struggle to make ends meet.”
How many Americans live in poverty? Nearly 44 million, or 12.9%, of all Americans.
“According to 2024 ‘Supplemental Poverty Measure’ data from the U.S. Census Bureau 10 million of those are children. The child poverty rate is now 13.4%, remaining significantly higher than in 2021, when only 5.2% of children were living in poverty. This continued high is due in part to the expiration of the enhanced child tax credit, which was implemented in July 2021. The rise in child poverty highlights the need to strengthen and protect programs like the child tax credit, SNAP, WIC, and school nutrition programs, which invest in the future of our children and help stop child hunger in America.”
You can make a difference by raising awareness, but also by doing your part as a member of the community. Awareness doesn’t solve the problem. The children and families in our community need action taken.
Local nonprofit Cullman Caring for Kids suggests the following to assist the cause:
- Donate nonperishable food items
- Make a financial contribution
- Volunteer your time
Examples of nonperishable food items:
- Canned fruits and veggies
- Granola bars.
- Instant boxed meals that just require adding water; mac n’ cheese, instant noodles or pastas
- Canned soup
You can always reach out to local food banks to get a better idea of items they run out of frequently.
Cullman Caring for kids wrote, “No child should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Together, we can help ensure that families in Cullman County have access to the food they need.”
Some local foodbanks include:
- Cullman Caring For Kids Address: 402 Arnold St. NE, Cullman; Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.
- The Link of Cullman County Address: 708 Ninth St. SE, Cullman; Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- The Caring Center (a ministry of Northbrook Baptist Church) Address: 1335 St. Joseph Dr. NW, Cullman; Hours: Tuesdays 9-11:30 a.m. and Thursdays 5:30-7 p.m.
Source: www.nokidhungry.org
