Food Insecurity Fact of the Week

Students in Mrs. Overchuk's and Mrs. Selmont's classes as well as Westbrook Middle School Student Council members have been researching facts and statistics to help educate their classmates about what it means to be food insecure. Beginning in late October, weekly "Fact Cards" have been placed on each of the tables in the cafeteria during the lunch waves for the students to read and discuss. The weekly fact is also displayed on the Student Council bulletin board next to the nurse's office. 

Week 1:

True or False? Children who experience food insecurity are not at a higher risk for behavioral issues and social difficulties than other children.

ANSWER: False

Food insecure children may be at greater risk of truancy and school tardiness. When they are in school, they may also experience increases in behavior problems including: fighting, hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, mood swings and bullying.

Week 2:

True or False? Food insecurity is harmful to all people, but it is particularly devastating to children.

ANSWER: True  

Proper nutrition is critical to a child’s development. Not having enough of the right kinds of food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity.

Week 3:

True or False?

In 2013, 10.5 million households in America were affected by food insecurity.

ANSWER: False

According to the Feeding America Organization, 17.5 million households were food insecure in 2013.

Week 4:

Choose the correct answer to fill in the blanks.

Every Year in the United States (a) ______% of food is thrown out. The cost of this food is worth about (b)__________ dollars. All of this uneaten food could easily feed about (c)________ Americans.

1.     (a) 40%    (b)    $165 billion      (c) 25 million

2.     (a) 25%    (b)    $100 million    (c) 200,000

3.     (a) 50%    (b)    $150 million    (c) 20 million

ANSWER:  1.

Every year in the United States 40% is food is thrown out. The cost of this food is worth about $165 billion dollars. All of this uneaten food could easily feed about 25 million Americans.