IMPACTS OF
UNDER-FUELING
Sports provide opportunities for individuals to obtain an education, develop leadership skills, and build confidence. Not only does hunger have a negative impact on every individual's overall well-being, but food insecure students are more likely to drop out of sports or decrease physical activity. Long-term hunger diminishes an athlete's ability to recover, perform, and succeed academically. Hunger in youth athletes has been associated with lower cognitive function, lower school test scores, difficulty interacting with peers and increased rates of school suspensions.
" FEEDING ATHLETES
MEANS FUELING FUTURES "
- DANIELA HURTADO MS, RD, CSSD, FOUNDER
HUNGER FACTS
44
According to a USC Dornsife study, food insecurity is the worst it's been in 10 years among low-income LA households with 44% of low-income households reporting being food insecure.
47.4
According to USDA, 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households in 2023.
60
One study found that 60% of the Division 1 student-athletes attending a university reported experiencing food-insecurity.
2x
In 2023, rates of food insecurity were more than 2 times higher among Hispanic/ Latino (38%) and Black/African American (38%) residents, compared to white residents (16%).
ATHLETE NEEDS
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Athletes have higher nutritional needs when compared to general populations.
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Athletes are more susceptible to food insecurity due to their higher needs of calories, protein, and carbohydrates to perform.
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Athletes can be nutrient insecure, but not food insecure due to limited access to nutrient-dense meals and eating highly processed foods.
WHAT IS FOOD INSECURITY?
Food insecurity refers to individuals or households that have limited access to sufficient food for a healthy life. Food insecurity is often due to financial constraints or resource limitations. Food insecurity among youth-athletes is not well documented, but according to Project Play 25% of youth athletes come from low-income households. While 86% of college athletes, are currently living under the poverty line or come from a low-income household.
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Having access to high nutrient foods, such as fruits and vegetables, ensures athletes are getting essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and recovery. When athletes are limited in their food choices. they are more likely to choose high-calorie, processed foods that leave them deficient in the nutrition they need to succeed.
REASONS FOR FOOD INSECURITY
POVERTY
Many athletes come from a low-income background
INCREASED NEEDS
Athletes have higher nutrient and calorie needs than non-athletes.
LACK OF TIME & RESOURCES
Athletes reported having less time to prepare food between class, training, and practice schedules.
RACISM & DISCRIMINATION
Food insecurity rates were 2x higher in Black and Hispanic/Latino athletes.
