Mission
THE INTERNATIONAL HUNGER PROJECT’S MISSION IS TO CREATE EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, AND NUTRIENT-RICH SOLUTIONS FOR REDUCING HUNGER IN COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
Vision
THE INTERNATIONAL HUNGER PROJECT ENVISIONS A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL INCOME LEVELS AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO NUTRIENT-RICH FOOD
THE PROBLEM WITH FOOD
Food is not only the most basic of human needs, it is also one of the bases upon which all other facets of life are built. It is impossible to focus on obtaining safe housing and creating successful educational and vocational environments if people in the community do not have access to enough nutrition to allow them to function at a satisfactory, if not optimal, level.
Defined by the United Way’s ALICE Report (an acronym for families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), these households are working and working hard, but still struggling to make ends meet.
Some families have to choose between paying bills and buying food. It is easy to assume that food would come first. But if faced with eviction, a single mom may choose rent over food, knowing that her children will at least get one meal at school. But even that school meal that could once be counted upon is no longer guaranteed and children too young for school are left without a safety net.
Health
We’ve all rushed out of the house without eating breakfast, and when 10 o’clock rolls around and your coffee cup is empty, focusing becomes difficult and your stomach starts voicing its opinion… yet it’s too early for lunch.
Some people have this feeling every day and are missing more than just one meal. The more meals they miss, the more severe hunger affects their minds and bodies.
Mental Health
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Malnourishment can cause mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The inability to feed yourself and your loved ones can have traumatic effects on a person’s mental health.
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The effects on children are devastating, having a strong impact on brain development, in some cases even causing permanent brain damage. In school, 50% of children facing hunger will need to repeat a grade. It’s hard to concentrate in school when you’re hungry. Roaring stomachs cause children to be cranky, hyperactive or lethargic, and sometimes even aggressive. These behavioral issues can distract kids from their schoolwork, leading to developmental delays and learning disabilities. The outward signs that a child’s difficulty in the classroom is related to the fact that they are struggling with hunger can often be hard for teachers and caregivers to identify.
Physical Health
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Hunger and malnourishment weaken the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infections and illnesses such as the flu and coronavirus.
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Lack of proper nutrients can cause many chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, digestive conditions, and many more. According to the USDA, there is a strong connection between hunger and these chronic diseases.
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Even short term battles with conditions such as fatigue can have unexpected consequences such as accidents at work or home and possible injuries… leading to a domino effect of potential missed workdays, medical bills, and financial struggles.
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Food Deserts
When it comes to food, money is not the only problem. Many low-income or food insecure families are faced with transportation challenges. Quality grocery stores are frequently located outside low income zones and neighborhoods, creating food deserts. Without a reliable source of transportation, the access to food is limited.
When faced with lack of access and not enough funds, most families must choose full bellies over nutritional content. Carbohydrates and sugars make a person feel fuller, and are less expensive. Therefore, fewer dollars stretch to more meals. Eating healthy is an expensive proposition, and it's an option that low-income families don’t have the luxury of choosing.
Having access to and eating nutritious food should not be a luxury. Feeding your children food that contains the vitamins and minerals they need to focus at school shouldn’t be considered an extravagance. That is where World Hunger Project comes in.
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International Hunger Project's Solutions
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​Collection
of Fresh Non-Perishable Food
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Distribution
Through Area Food Banks
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Community Outreach
Raising Awareness & Education
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Help us improve the health and wellbeing of our community
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Brendan Hart, founder and director of The International Hunger Project, is dedicated to the mission of providing food to those with food insecurity.
Born and raised outside of Boston, Brendan earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. His community service experience includes working with MASSPIRG, the San Francisco Tenant’s Union, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America where he earned Big Brother of the Year in Lawrence, Ma. in 1998.
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