Study: Domestic Hunger Has an Economic Cost of $90 Billion a Year

Sodexho is an organization that is committed to food and nutritional issues. In a report released last week, they explain the economic cost of domestic hunger.

Credit for this report goes to Dr. J. Larry Brown, of the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Shephard and Dr. Martin of Brandeis University, and Dr. John Orwat of Loyola University.

This 37-page study was created to help understand the financial impact hunger plays on the community. The study reports that a simple donation to the local food bank is not all the American people pay out.

The report states that the cost of hunger is a staggering $90 billion a year. More than $300 per person. $800 a household. What is the basis for this claim?

There are many people every day who have to make a choice between proper nutrition and other basic needs such as rent or medical treatment. These choices can disrupt lives in a way no-one thinks about.

There are many organizations that address the need for food among the homeless or less fortunate. But it is a far cry from the proper nutrition that is needed for a healthy diet. Many social agencies are limited to serving one meal a day. Some can hand out one bag of groceries a week, while others can only do it on a monthly basis.

The report states that it is estimated that there are over 35 million Americans who do not have proper nutrition. That is approximately 12% of the population.

The Federal Food Security Module sets the standards for what is hunger. It is defined as " a painful sensation" in the stomach. The census bureau acts as a fact gathering agency to determine how many households go hungry. Certain questions are asked with the answers recorded. Questions like "Have you ever put your children to bed hungry?" or "Do you sometimes not have enough food to feed your family?"

The report states that many households are overlooked due to the lack of the "painful sensation". Many people who suffer from hunger do not have pain.

The people do suffer, though. According to the study, some of the results of poor nutrition are migraines, colds, iron deficiencies and anemia. The increase of these is estimated at 1.5% to 3.5%. Suicide is increased by 5%. These results are staggering.

The study also shows that students from hunger-afflicted homes, do worse in school. Suspensions and expulsions are higher. So is the drop out rate. Think about what that can do to the economy.

Sources:

Sodexhousa, The fight against hunger, http://www.sodexhousa.com/corp_hunger.asp