More than 24% of Louisiana children under the age of 5 are at risk of hunger, according to an analysis of government numbers by an anti-hunger group. Feeding America, a nonprofit advocacy group that did the study, says nationwide more than 17% of children under 5 are at risk of going hungry, an estimated total of 3.5 million. Feeding America based its findings on 2005-07 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Agriculture Department. Dr. John Cook, the lead researcher on the report and an associate professor of pediatrics at Boston Medical Center, says hunger varies by state based on two main factors: the level of employment and poverty, and the extent of food and income assistance programs in the region. Massachusetts had the lowest risk, with 6.7% of children under 5 in danger of hunger. For the full report, click here.
La. children at highest hunger risk
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