Kids Books: Food Insecurity

Nia’s Rescue Box

By Gina Soldano-Herrle, Illustrated by Abi Eaton

Ashamed of her newfound food insecurity, Nia leaves the local food rescue with an empty box. Afterward, when confronted with the reality of food waste, she reconsiders accepting help and becoming a part of something greater. In this picture book, children learn about food rescues, food waste, food insecurity, and what they can do about it. 3 years+

Saturday at the Food Pantry

By Diane O’Neill, Illustrated by Brizida Magro

A sensitive story about food insecurity. Molly and her mom don’t always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly’s happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who’s embarrassed to be at the food pantry. Can Molly help Caitlin realize that everyone needs help sometimes? 3-7 years

Maddi’s Fridge

By Lois Brandt, Illustrated by Vin Vogel

With humor and warmth, this children’s picture book raises awareness about poverty and hunger. Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge.

Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on anti-hunger groups, is also included. 5-9 years

Lulu and the Hunger Monster

By Erik Talkin, Illustrated by Sheryl Murray

When Lulu’s mother’s van breaks down, money for food becomes tight and the Hunger Monster comes into their lives. Only visible to Lulu, Hunger Monster is a troublemaker who makes it hard for her to concentrate in school. How will Lulu help her mom and defeat the Monster when Lulu has promised never to speak the monster’s name to anyone?

This realistic—and hopeful—story of food insecurity builds awareness of the issue of childhood hunger, increases empathy for people who are food insecure, and demonstrates how anyone can help end hunger. Lulu and the Hunger Monster™ empowers children to destigmatize the issue of hunger before the feeling turns into shame. 5-9 years

Kevin and the Food Drive: A Story About Generosity

By Kristin Johnson, Illustrated by Hannah Wood

When Kevin learns that not all families have enough to eat, he decides to organize a food drive with his friends. When everyone pitches in and shares, there’s enough food to go around! 4-9 years

The Greatest Table

By Micheal J. Rosen, Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

In a world of bountiful food yet increasing food insecurity, we are called to remember that all creatures have a place—and may be fed sustainably—at the greatest, communal table offered by our planet. 6-8 years

Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen

By Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan

“A boy wonders about the people he sees on his city’s streets until he goes to the soup kitchen where his uncle works. The varied needs of the individuals there become clear to the young narrator. The watercolors use earth tones and careful detail to illustrate the warm, friendly story.” — Horn Book  4-8 years

Boundless

By Chaunté Lowe

Everything seemed set against Chaunté Lowe. Growing up with a single mother in Paso Robles, California. She experienced food insecurity, homelessness, and domestic abuse. Chaunté couldn’t imagine a future that offered a different sort of life. But then, one day, she turned on the TV and there was Flo Jo, competing in the Olympics and shattering records in track and field.

Almost immediately, Chaunté knew what she wanted to do. She started running. With the help of a small community of friends, family, and coaches, Chaunté worked as hard as she could – both in the classroom and out on the sports field – and through her own fierce determination and grit, she overcame every imaginable obstacle, eventually propelling herself to the place she always dreamed about: the Olympic medal podium. 8-12 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: “7 Great Lessons to Teach Kids About Hunger and Food Insecurity,” https://kidworldcitizen.org/great-lessons-teach-kids-about-hunger-food-insecurity/