1 in 5 children in the U.S. face hunger. 1 in 6 face homelessness. And this week is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

The effects of childhood hunger and homelessness extend far beyond food and housing themselves—although those are critically important as well.

Facts about childhood hunger and homelessness:

Fact #1: Systemic inequities mean that experiencing hunger is much more common among Black and Latino children.

Fact #2: Children experiencing hunger are at higher risk of developmental issues.

Fact #3: Children experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of being split up from family.

Fact #4: Experiencing homelessness as a child is traumatic and poses several mental health risks.

Fact #5: Missing meals in the first three years of life can be particularly harmful to a child, increasing their risk of medical problems and hospitalization.

Fact #6: Repeating a grade in primary school is more common among children experiencing hunger.

No child should ever undergo the hardship associated with hunger and homelessness.

We need leaders who meet the issues of hunger and homelessness with compassion, and who push for policies that seek to help members of some of the most vulnerable populations—not punish them.

Thank you for joining me this National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week,

Annie