If a child does not get enough food outside of school he/she is considered "food insecure". The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as households that are uncertain of having, or unable to acquire enough food to meet the basic needs of all their family members because they have insufficient money or other resources for food. When the guardian of a child has to choose between food and other necessities, e.g. having the electricity turned off because they don't have enough money, it is an indicator of food insecurity.
A child will not necessarily tell you that he doesn't have enough food at home, but through observation, you can begin to see patterns and/or behavior that will set them apart. In the United States we tend to think a starving child is a skinny child with protruding bones and a swollen belly like the photos we see of starving children in Africa. In contrast, the hungry child in America may appear obese or skinny. Obesity can stem from a poor diet that lacks fresh fruits and vegetables - a common occurrence is that families buy more affordable processed foods that lead to poor nutrition and obesity.
Behavior that demonstrates food insecurity
extreme hunger on Monday morning
quickly eating all the food that is served - not being picky in what they have placed before them
saving/hoarding/stealing food to eat or take home
comments about not having enough food at home
lingering around for or asking for second helpings
regularly asks teacher for food
School performance
excessive absences or tardiness
chronic illness
short attention span/inability to concentrate
chronic behavior problems (hyperactive, irritable, anxious, withdrawn, etc.)
Physical Appearance
extreme thinness/obesity
puffy/swollen skin
chronically dry/cracked lips
chronically dry/itchy eyes
Home Environment
loss of household income
family crisis (parent in prison, death, terminal illness, homeless)
parents absent
moves frequently from one location to another
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