Sometimes families don't have enough nutritious food to help their children stay active and healthy. This is called food insecurity. Food insecurity can look different for different families. Some children don't get enough food and weigh less than they should. Other children might be overweight because the only food they have isn't very healthy. There are ways to help you and your family get nutritious food.

• Keep all appointments with your child's health care provider.
• If your family can't get enough nutritious food, these resources can help. You can find them on the internet.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC provides money for food, such as formula, infant cereal, fruits, and vegetables to low-income pregnant women and new moms, and to infants and children up to age 5. Find more information online at fns.usda.gov/wic.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a nutrition assistance program that helps families with their food budget so they can buy healthy food. Families can buy a variety of foods, such as fruits and vegetables, meats, and dairy products. You must apply in the state where you live, and you must meet certain income rules. Find more information online at fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program.

School Breakfast Program 

This federal program in public and nonprofit private schools provides free or low-cost breakfast to all eligible children based on household income and family size. Find more information online at fns.usda.gov/sbp/school-breakfast-program.

National School Lunch Program

This program provides free and low-cost meals to kids in public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Find more information online at usa.gov/school-meals.

Summer Food Service Program

This program makes sure kids get healthy food when school is out. It provides free meals during the summer to kids and teens 18 years and younger. Find more information online at fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program.

National Hunger Hotline

The USDA's National Hunger Hotline connects families with emergency food sources in the community, such as food banks, government assistance programs, and other social services. Call 866-3-HUNGRY or 877-8-HAMBRE (for Spanish) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Find more information online at hungerfreeamerica.org/en-us/get-help.

• You need help reaching the resources above.
• You are concerned that your child is not gaining weight, or your child is losing weight.
• Your child looks pale or seems very tired.
• Your baby is fussy and can't be comforted.

How can I talk to my child about food insecurity? You can use these tips to explain the issue of food insecurity to your child. 

• Be open and honest. Use direct language and avoid making it seem like there is a secret. Be truthful about the situation, but make the information appropriate for their age level:
  • For younger children, you can explain that sometimes families need help getting food, and that right now your family is getting help. 
  • For older children, you can explain that the family is facing a financial challenge, but there are resources to help you get healthy food. 
• Focus on solutions. Let your children know that you are working on solutions to getting food and that the situation is temporary. 
• Acknowledge your children's feelings. It is OK to recognize that the situation is difficult. Let your children know that if they are worried or upset, you are there to support them. Give honest answers to any questions your children ask. If you feel that your child is having trouble coping, talk to your health care provider about getting them help.