How does food insecurity affect children: Effects of child hunger
Amigos Internacionales • April 26, 2025
It stunts dreams before they begin, dims eyes that should sparkle with potential, and leaves children too tired to laugh, learn, or grow.
Right now, over 45 million children under five suffer from wasting, the deadliest form of malnutrition. In conflict zones like Sudan, Gaza, and parts of the Sahel, children go days without a proper meal, relying on scraps or humanitarian aid to survive. Many don’t make it.
Whether it’s a refugee child in South Sudan, an orphan in Yemen, or a displaced family in Haiti, the reality is the same: hunger is robbing children of their futures.
At Amigos Internacionales, we’re fighting back. Through emergency food deliveries, child-focused nutrition programs, and sustainable hunger relief initiatives, we work in high-risk regions to ensure no child is forgotten. Because every child deserves more than survival, they deserve a chance to thrive.
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What Is Child Hunger?
Child hunger isn’t just a lack of calories, it’s a life-threatening absence of nutrition, stability, and hope.
It means going to bed with an aching stomach and waking up too weak to play, and missing school because there’s no energy to walk. It means a child's body is growing, but not with the fuel it needs to survive.
According to UNICEF’s 2024 Global Report,
- 1 in 4 children under five suffers from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition.
- 9 million children die each year before their fifth birthday, 45% of these deaths are linked to undernutrition.
- Over 148 million children are chronically food insecure worldwide, and the number is rising due to conflict, climate disasters, and inflation.
Hunger affects more than the body. It dulls the mind, delays development, and steals joy. Emotionally, hungry children are more likely to experience anxiety, aggression, and trauma. Academically, they fall behind peers and developmentally, the damage can last a lifetime.
Why Are Children Still Going Hungry in 2025?
Despite the global advancements in food systems, hunger still haunts millions. Why?
1. Poverty & Inflation
Rising costs of food and fuel have made it nearly impossible for families in low-income countries to afford balanced meals. In 2024, food prices rose by over 5% in several African and Middle Eastern countries. Even staple items like bread and rice have become luxury goods for displaced families.
2. Conflict & Displacement
Armed conflicts remain a key driver of child hunger. In Sudan alone, over 13 million people are displaced, many without access to food or clean water. War cuts off supply chains, destroys farmland, and pushes families into overcrowded camps where hunger spreads like disease.
3. Climate Change
Erratic rainfall, flooding, and prolonged droughts are decimating crops. In the Horn of Africa, five consecutive failed rainy seasons have led to one of the worst hunger crises in recent history. Children in farming families are the first to suffer when crops don’t grow.
4. Systemic Inequality
Many hunger-affected regions suffer from broken healthcare systems, poor governance, and underfunded aid responses. These systemic gaps allow hunger to persist especially in forgotten or marginalized communities.
>> Related Post:
5 Causes of Food Insecurity in 2025: Effects & How to Solve Them
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Major Effects of Child Hunger: How Does Hunger Affect Child Development
1. Physical Effects of Child Hunger
- Malnutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight):
Malnourished children often appear smaller than their peers. Stunting, when a child is too short for their age, reflects chronic malnutrition, while wasting, too thin for their height signals life-threatening undernutrition. According to WHO, 45 million children worldwide are wasting, and 149 million are stunted.
- Weakened immune systems & higher risk of disease:
Without proper nutrients, the body cannot fight infections. A simple flu can become fatal. These children are more susceptible to pneumonia, diarrhea, and other preventable diseases.
- Developmental delays in infants and toddlers:
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical. Hunger during this period can cause irreversible damage to brain development, motor skills, and physical growth.
2. Educational Impact
- Difficulty concentrating and learning:
Hunger impairs memory, focus, and problem-solving. Even a short-term lack of food can affect classroom performance and long-term academic outcomes.
- Higher absenteeism and dropout rates:
Hunger leads to fatigue, illness, and sometimes the need for children to work instead of study. The result? Empty school desks and lost potential.
- Long-term loss of opportunity:
A child who drops out of school due to hunger is less likely to find stable employment as an adult, trapping them in the very cycle that caused their hunger.
3. Emotional and Mental Health Consequences
- Increased anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues:
Constant hunger creates chronic stress. Children may become irritable, withdrawn, or aggressive. Many suffer in silence with no language to describe what they feel.
- Reduced social engagement:
Hunger isolates. Children may avoid social situations due to shame, fatigue, or anxiety, missing key developmental experiences.
- Impact on self-esteem and childhood development:
A child who feels “less than” because they’re always hungry may carry those emotional wounds well into adulthood.
4. Long-Term Effects into Adulthood
- Lower earning potential:
Malnourished children often earn 20% less as adults than their well-nourished peers, according to the World Bank.
- Chronic health conditions:
Childhood hunger increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses later in life.
- Intergenerational cycle of poverty and hunger:
A malnourished child becomes a struggling adult, less able to care for their own children, continuing the cycle.
>> Related Post:
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How Amigos Is Helping the Fight Against Child Hunger:
- Emergency Relief That Reaches the Most Vulnerable
Every single day, Amigos Internacionales provides life-saving meals to children and families in crisis. From the displaced communities of South Sudan to remote villages in Uganda and Guatemala, our emergency feeding programs delivered over 57 million meals in 15 years. These ready-to-eat food kits offer immediate nourishment to children who often haven’t eaten for days, offering a lifeline when there's no other hope.
- Building Long-Term Food Security
We believe that ending hunger requires more than just food, it requires empowerment. Through our MissionPoint model, we introduce sustainable farming methods, teach life skills to youth and parents, and support school meal programs. In places like Open Hands Academy and Harvest of Hope School, children are fed nutritious meals while receiving a faith-based education. We're growing both minds and futures.
- Advocacy Rooted in Faith and Compassion
Fighting hunger also means challenging the systems that keep people in poverty. Amigos works alongside local churches, village elders, and international partners to advocate for long-term solutions. By amplifying stories from the field and raising awareness through our networks, we inspire donors and communities worldwide to take action grounded in justice, faith, and love.
How You Can Help
You can be the reason a child doesn’t go to bed hungry tonight.
- $25 ensures meals for a Family for a Week.
- $50 Equips a Child with Essential Education Supplies for a year.
- $100 Empowers mothers to learn skills and support their families.
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FAQs
1. Why is child hunger still a major issue in rural Africa?
Child hunger persists due to a combination of factors: poverty, displacement from conflict, limited access to education, and poor agricultural infrastructure. In areas like Northern Uganda and South Sudan, food insecurity is often worsened by drought and lack of long-term support systems.
2. Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Amigos Internacionales is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
3. What does $25 actually do?
A $25 donation can feed a hungry child for an entire week, provide clean water access to over 140 people, or help sponsor school meals for a classroom. Every dollar you give has a real, measurable impact.
4. How can I help beyond giving money?
Besides donating, you can:
- Share our mission on social media
- Organize a fundraiser at your church or school
- Sponsor a child or classroom
- Advocate for clean water and food security policies in your community
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Our team will then branch out to rural areas surrounding the city, where healthcare access is limited. We've chosen this time frame to avoid the rainy season and make travel easier for both our volunteers and the local communities we'll serve. The exact locations within Bujumbura and the surrounding regions will be finalized closer to the event date. We're working closely with local authorities to identify the areas of greatest need. Services Offered At the Medical Camp Burundi, we're bringing a wide range of essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Our team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals will provide general check-ups, vaccinations, and basic treatments for common illnesses. We'll also offer specialized services like dental care, eye exams, and women's health screenings. Mental health support will be a key component of our camp, with counselors available to provide much-needed psychological care. Additionally, we'll be running health education workshops to empower communities with knowledge about preventive care and healthy living practices. Lastly, we'll distribute essential medications and medical supplies to those who need them most, ensuring that the impact of our camp extends beyond the duration of our stay. Targeted Communities Our Medical Camp Burundi aims to reach the most vulnerable and underserved populations in and around Bujumbura. We're focusing on rural communities where access to healthcare is severely limited. These areas often lack basic medical facilities and struggle with issues like malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and preventable illnesses. We're also targeting urban slums in Bujumbura, where overcrowding and poor sanitation lead to numerous health challenges. Special attention will be given to children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are often the most affected by lack of healthcare access. By working with local community leaders and health officials, we're ensuring that our services reach those who need them most. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on these communities' health and well-being. How You Can Support Medical Outreach Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of those we serve. Here's how you can get involved and contribute to our Medical Camp Burundi. Volunteer Opportunities We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a real impact at the Medical Camp Burundi . If you're a healthcare professional, your skills are invaluable. We need doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, and mental health professionals. Your expertise will directly improve the health of hundreds of people. Non-medical volunteers are just as crucial. We need help with logistics, translation, health education, and community outreach. Your support will ensure the smooth running of the camp and help us connect with the local communities. Volunteering isn't just about giving - it's also about personal growth. You'll gain unique experiences, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a real difference in people's lives. Donations and Supplies Needed Can't join us in person? You can still play a vital role in our Medical Camp Burundi through donations and supplies. Financial contributions are always welcome. Your money will go towards purchasing medical equipment, medications, and supplies. It will also help cover logistical costs like transportation and accommodation for our volunteer team. We also need donations of medical supplies. Things like bandages, syringes, gloves, and basic medications are always in high demand. Even small contributions can make a big difference. Non-medical items are needed too. We're looking for donations of hygiene products, reading glasses, and educational materials. These items can significantly improve quality of life for many in the communities we serve. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of providing essential healthcare to those who need it most. Your support can literally save lives. The Impact of Compassionate Care The power of compassionate care goes beyond immediate medical treatment. Let's explore the lasting impact our Medical Camp Burundi can have on individuals and communities. Stories from Past Camps Our previous medical camps have left lasting impressions on both the communities we've served and our volunteers. These stories showcase the real impact of our work. Take Maria, a young mother from a rural village. She'd been struggling with an undiagnosed condition for years. At our camp, she finally received proper care and medication. Now, she's healthy and able to care for her family. Then there's John, a volunteer nurse from the US. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the people he helped. The experience changed his perspective on healthcare and inspired him to continue volunteering. We also met Amina, a local teenager who attended our health education workshop. She's now spreading the knowledge she gained to her peers, becoming a health advocate in her community. These stories remind us why we do what we do. They show that with compassionate care, we can change lives one person at a time. Long-term Benefits for Communities The impact of our Medical Camp Burundi extends far beyond the days we're there. We're creating long-lasting positive changes in the communities we serve. By providing immediate healthcare, we're preventing minor issues from becoming major health crises. This reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and improves overall community health. Our health education workshops empower people with knowledge about preventive care. This leads to healthier lifestyle choices and better management of chronic conditions in the long run. We also work to build capacity within local healthcare systems. By partnering with local health workers and sharing knowledge, we help strengthen the community's ability to address health issues independently. Lastly, our camps often spark interest in healthcare careers among local youth. This can lead to more healthcare professionals serving their own communities in the future, creating a sustainable cycle of improved health care. Through these efforts, we're not just providing temporary relief, but contributing to lasting change in Burundi's healthcare landscape.
Blake Johnes had not seen his daughter in three years.
A Permanent Endowment to Serve Children, Families, and the Gospel—Forever In a world where needs never stop, we must build solutions that never run dry. That’s the heart behind the John LaNoue Sr. Forever Fund , a permanent endowment hosted by HighGround Advisors and stewarded by Amigos Internacionales . This fund protects its principal forever and uses investment income to fuel long-term impact through water, education, health, and Gospel-centered outreach. This is more than a donation. It’s a legacy. And it’s needed now more than ever.
One Surgery. One Child. A Lifetime Transformed 15% of Ugandan children will require surgical care before age 18. Only a fraction ever receive it . Rural children are hit hardest : over 80% of cases are in remote villages. Almost half of surgical needs remain unmet . Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is common. These children suffer feeding challenges, risk of aspiration, chronic ear infections, and speech delay . Malnutrition is rampant : up to 68% of infants with CL/P in Uganda are undernourished; many remain ineligible for surgery due to frail health Untreated consequences : ongoing pain, family isolation, lifelong stigma, lost chances, and even school dropout . Yet the solution exists. Simple, safe surgery can restore wholeness. But time, resources, and access—especially in remote regions—are missing.
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In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
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