HUNGER AND GENDER EQUITY

Women in the U.S. disproportionately experience hunger and poverty compared to American men. Strengthening federal nutrition programs, closing the wage gap, and supporting paid leave policies are three ways policymakers can reduce food insecurity among women. About 10 million households with children in the U.S. are headed by a single mother, and 28.2% of these families live below the poverty line, compared to 14.9% of single fathers. According to USDA’s most recent report, single-parent, female-headed households are also significantly more likely to be food-insecure than single-parent, male-headed households (30.3 to 22.4%).

Source: Food Research & Action Council, 4/1/17, Gender Equity