Food Insecure Children in the United States
There is no possible excuse for children to go hungry in this country. Yet it happens – every day, in every community. According to the latest estimates, as many as 9 million children in the United States live in “food insecure” homes. That means that those households don’t have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life. The number of children living with hunger had fallen steadily over the past decade, but the coronavirus pandemic dealt a terrible blow to our progress as a nation.
As you might imagine, hunger is a problem that most often affects children from low-income families. A common way we measure poverty is the federal poverty level, a number set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal poverty level is the minimum amount of money a family needs each year to afford the necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. In 2026, the federal poverty level was $33,000 for a family of four. Of course, this number is a minimum. Families making twice that much are still considered low-income by most experts, and many struggle to make ends meet.
How does that relate to Citrus County?
Food insecurity isn’t just a national issue. It’s happening right here in Citrus County.
Half of all households in our community are either living below the Federal Poverty Level or are considered ALICE. ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents hardworking families who earn too much to qualify for many forms of assistance but still don’t earn enough to cover the basic cost of living. In Citrus County, 35% of households are ALICE, while another 15% are living below the poverty line.
These are families who are working, raising children, and doing everything they can to make ends meet, yet they are often forced to make impossible choices between paying for housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, or food.Since 1999, Citrus County Blessings has been helping bridge that gap by providing weekend meals to children experiencing food insecurity.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we believe no child should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. By ensuring children have consistent access to nutritious food, we’re helping them learn, grow, and build healthier futures.
Citrus County Statistics:
- Population of 171.6k (July 2025)
- 14.5% of population under the age of 18
- 91.3k households with average 2.26 people per household
- 13.5% persons in poverty (2023)
- 23% of children under 18 are in poverty
Useful Links:
Information provided by US Cenus Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/citruscountyflorida/PST045223. For a more comprehensive understanding of food insecurity, we recommend the USDA’s annual report on Household Food Security in the United States.
Silencing Weekend Hunger, the “Blessings Program”
A staggering 80% of children enrolled in Citrus County’s public schools participate in the Free/Reduced lunch program.
The Blessings program provides over 3000 local students in 31 schools with food to take home every Friday of the school year. The students are also given additional food to take home over the school breaks. Each child is recommended by a school employee. Students’ identities are protected, their names only released to staff and key volunteers.
The Blessings program utilizes two staff members and over 400 volunteers each month to transport pallets, pack bags and deliver the food to the schools.
Mission Statement
To provide food to Citrus County students in need through donors, partners, and volunteers.
Vision Statement
To silence student hunger within Citrus County.
How can you help?
Donate Food!
Donate non-perishable, single-serving food that is in a safe, easy to open package. Keep in mind that some of these children may not have the luxury of a can opener, utensils, a refrigerator or a microwave, with which to cook or eat these meals. Examples of food items acceptable to donate are listed below.
Make a Monetary Contribution!
Make a monetary contribution of just $250, which will provide food for one child every weekend for an entire school year. All monetary contributions are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) IRS registered* charity.
Food Donation Drop-Off
Citrus County Blessings, 3749 East Parsons Point Rd, Hernando, FL.
Please call to schedule a drop-off so a staff member can be on-site to help. 352-341-7707