hidden hunger
fighting child malnutrition in the US
educate. empower. change.
did you know
In the United States...
81%
of children and adolescents are vitamin D- and E- deficient
1 in 4
children are lacking in calcium, magnesium or vitamin A
4 in 5
children consume excess levels of sodium daily
$157 B
is spent annually treating health problems arising from micronutrient malnutrition
6M
children live in food-insecure households
97%
of children receive inadequate
daily intake of potassium
What is hidden hunger?
Hidden hunger refers to micronutrient malnutrition: a deficiency in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development.
Malnutrition comprises of:
undernutrition and overweight + obesity.
What does hidden hunger look like?
There are several forms of malnutrition:
-
wasting
-
stunting
-
underweight
-
vitamin and mineral deficiency
-
overweight or obesity
-
diet-related non-communicable diseases
Since it is "hidden", malnutrition cannot always be identified through appearances. A child who seems healthy and consumes enough food may be malnourished because they are consuming the wrong kinds of food that lack essential vitamins and minerals.
Why focus on children?
While malnutrition can impact anyone, children are especially vulnerable due to the large amount of development that occurs in the early stages of life.
On an individual level, hidden hunger directly hinders a child's physical, mental, and social development.
In a population, child hidden hunger has long-term negative effects on the economy and healthcare system.
How does hidden hunger impact kids?
Hover over the boxes to learn more.
physical development
Malnourished children often experience stunted growth, weakened muscles and bones, suppressed immune systems, decreased organ function, and increased susceptibility to illness.
cognitive development
Lack of essential nutrients hampers brain development, causing malnourished children to struggle in school, perform poorly on cognitive tests, and suffer from other mental impairments.
social development
Cognitive impairment hinders learning and thus social and emotional development. Poor school performance can also decrease a child's self-esteem and increase anxiety, putting them at greater risk for depression and mental illness.
long-term health
Inadequate physical, cognitive, and social development causes a child to be more susceptible to physical and mental illness in the future by magnifying the development of diseases and chronic health conditions.
What are the drivers of hidden hunger?
behavioral
social & demographic
biological
environmental
Why does it matter?
Hidden hunger is one of the greatest reinforcers of the poverty cycle.
Hover over the diagram to reveal the cycle.
How do we fight hidden hunger?
Change the systems in which hidden hunger operates
Innovate direct interventions
Fortified Foods
How do we fight hidden hunger?
The Band-aid:
Innovating Immediate Interventions
Hover over the icons to learn more.
Fortified Foods
Fortified Foods
Food fortification adds minerals and vitamins to basic, affordable food staples we already eat (eg. iodized salt, vitamin D-fortified milk). An inexpensive intervention, it is an effective and sustainable way to increase intake of key nutrients.
Nutrient Supplements
Micronutrient supplements
in the form of gummies or pills have been recently popularized and are effective in combating nutrient deficiencies. However, it is important to consult with a physician to avoid nutrient overconsumption .
The Cure:
Changing the System and Halting the Cycle of Inequity
It is not just about getting
children enough to eat;
it is above all about getting
them the right food to eat.
// UNICEF Executive Director
Henrietta Fore
Connect with, or encourage those who may be impacted by hidden hunger to connect with local or online health resources. Feel free to connect with us by shooting us a message below!
Learn and share information about resources such as nutrition programs and food assistance to those who may be impacted by hidden hunger. This website is a great start!
Give your time or resources to support local food pantries, food banks, child health education programs, or organizations that support food access and nutrition equity.
Check out our podcast!
In our Hidden Hunger series, we explore the landscape of child malnutrition, interventions, and implications in the current COVID-19 context. Listen in on conversations with researchers and experts in the field.
Learn more
We've focused on hidden hunger among children in the US,
but hidden hunger exists globally and affects people of all ages.
Click on the logos of the resources below to learn more
about the double burden of malnutrition around the world.
World Health Organization
Our World
in Data
Global Nutrition
Report
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
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Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you.
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