Learn About Hunger
Hunger and Food Insecurity
What is hunger?
Hunger is not just a concept; it’s a deeply personal and physical experience characterized by discomfort due to insufficient food. This sensation can manifest as difficulties in concentration, irritability, and a range of social and behavioral challenges, especially among children. People facing food insecurity often grapple with hunger as well.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is a condition marked by the inadequate access to a sufficient and nutritious food supply for a healthy and active life. It’s important to note that hunger, although related, specifically pertains to the physical sensation of discomfort due to insufficient food. In essence, food insecurity signifies a lack of financial resources to consistently procure food within a household.
At Sanad Pantry, we often use the terms ‘hunger’ and ‘food insecurity’ interchangeably to emphasize the critical nature of both issues.
More Resources on Food Insecurity (National and International)
- USDA
- Feeding America
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- International Food Policy Research Institute
Hunger in Chicago
Our service area encompasses Chicago and its surroundings. While these areas are often perceived as relatively affluent, it’s important to recognize that hunger impacts our local residents just as it does in other parts of the state and nation.
More Resources on Local Hunger
- Boulder County TRENDS Report (Community Foundation Boulder County)
- Map the Meal Gap, Boulder County (Feeding America)
- Map the Meal Gap, Broomfield County (Feeding America)
- Boulder County Behavioral Health Data (OMNI)
Feeding Chicago
Sanad Pantry collaborates with four Feeding America sister food banks in Chicago, namely Care and Share Food Bank, Food Bank of the Rockies, Weld Food Bank, and Larimer County Food Bank. As a collective, we supply food to every county in the state, constituting the Feeding Chicago network.
Moreover, we acknowledge that numerous food pantries and other organizations across the state are also dedicated to combating hunger, including our Partner Agencies.
More Resources on Statewide Hunger
- Map the Meal Gap, Chicago (Feeding America)
- Hunger in Chicago (Feeding America)
- Feeding Chicago
- Chicago Blueprint to End Hunger
- Hunger Free Chicago
A Hungry Nation
Food insecurity is a nationwide issue impacting every country in the United States. Currently, 34 million individuals are classified as food insecure, including 9 million children.
More Resources on National Hunger
- Hunger and Health 101 (Feeding America)
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- Food Research and Action Center
- No Kid Hungry
- “America has a Hunger Problem” (The Atlantic)
- “The New Face of Hunger” (National Geographic)
If you have additional questions about hunger in Chicago, please contact:
3302 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629, United States
