#USA #Washington #No Kid Hungry #Child Hunger #Food Affordability

New Report Highlights the Struggles of Moms Across the U.S.

As Mother's Day approaches, a recent report released by No Kid Hungry reveals a troubling reality: two out of five mothers are struggling to afford nutritious meals for their children. This research sheds light on the difficult choices that mothers across the United States are facing as they attempt to provide healthy food for their families while managing rising costs.

The survey indicates that 43% of mothers are concerned about consistently providing healthy meals, and shockingly, nearly one out of three mothers living with low incomes have incurred debt in the past year to ensure their children can eat. At a time when food prices remain historically high, these families find themselves forced to make significant sacrifices that impact their day-to-day lives.

For many Latino families, the situation is even more dire. Approximately 20% of births in the U.S. are to Hispanic mothers, with nearly a quarter being single mothers. Furthermore, a report from the USDA indicates that one in four children living in Hispanic households faces food insecurity.

Despite these challenges, many mothers remain hopeful for their children’s futures. A mother from New York expressed her desire for her son to have a better life, reflecting a sentiment shared among many. "I hope he can have a better quality of life than I did. That was my parents' hope for me, but it's not our reality. I want him to be safe, healthy, and happy," she shared.

The report reveals several key findings:

1. Strains on Low-Income Mothers: Many are making tough sacrifices. 32% of mothers reported taking on debt, 35% delayed paying rent or utility bills, and 34% skipped meals in the last year.

2. Need for Additional Support: Over half of mothers across all income levels (55%) state that easier access to healthy and affordable food would significantly benefit them. For those in lower income brackets, 66% highlighted the need for affordable housing and stable income as critical factors for their children's well-being.

3. Universal Need for Assistance: An overwhelming 91% of mothers agree that at least one form of additional support would help them better care for their children.

Anne Filipic, the CEO of Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry, stated, “For millions of mothers, the math just doesn’t add up. No mother should ever have to go into debt or skip meals and medical care just to ensure her children have food.” She highlighted ongoing efforts to partner with local organizations to improve access to benefits, job guidance, healthy food, childcare, and more flexible income options. These initiatives aim to provide mothers with the resources they need to thrive and, by extension, help their children flourish.

As No Kid Hungry celebrates Mother’s Day, advocates, activists, and business leaders are joining forces to raise awareness around these pressing issues. Giselli Veloz, a Latina mother and “Rock Star Mom” honoree for 2026 by No Kid Hungry, shared her story of overcoming struggles similar to those faced by many mothers today, emphasizing the importance of support and opportunity.

Today, 14 million children in the U.S. experience hunger—a problem exacerbated by challenges such as low wages and high living costs, particularly for single mothers who often juggle obligations as both providers and caregivers. No Kid Hungry aims to combat child hunger by promoting income growth and building a sustainable future for mothers and their children. This includes advocating for an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, supporting holistic job coaching programs, increasing access to healthy food choices, and enhancing flexible childcare solutions.

These combined efforts have already secured nearly $350 million in tax credits for families and empowered 13,000 single mothers through innovative initiatives that improved their incomes while addressing food access issues. This initiative has reached 1.2 million individuals, significantly changing the narrative surrounding single mothers and their families.

To learn more about No Kid Hungry’s impactful work and find resources for mothers and families, please visit NoKidHungry.org.