Noticing Hungry Tummies: Helping Kids Understand Food Insecurity

How to Notice if a Friend Might Not Have Enough Food 🍎

Sometimes, friends or families don’t always have enough to eat. It’s not always easy to see, but here are a few gentle signs you might notice:

1. Hungry Tummies – A friend might say they’re really hungry a lot, or that they didn’t have breakfast or dinner.

2. Little Snacks – They might not bring much food for lunch or snack time, or they might ask to share yours.

3. Same Foods Often – You may notice they eat the same thing every day because that’s what’s available.

4. Skipping Meals – Sometimes they say they’re not hungry, even if they are, because they don’t want anyone to know.

5. Avoiding Food Activities – They may not join in when the activity is about food, like a class party or bake sale.

💛 Most important: If you notice a friend might not have enough food, be kind. Don’t tease or ask lots of questions. Instead, you can share a snack, invite them to play, or talk to a grown-up you trust (like a parent or teacher) who can help.