It’s difficult to talk about food insecurity with the kids in your life. Whether they’re struggling with hunger or they have friends who are, it’s a big topic to tackle, especially if children are experiencing food insecurity themselves. Kids’ books can help get the conversation started. From celebrating communities coming together to the importance of food pantries, there’s a book on every nuance of food insecurity. Here are a few to get you started.
Lulu and the Hunger Monster ™ by Erik Talkin, Illustrated by Sheryl Murray
After her mom’s van breaks down, the Hunger Monster arrives. Money is tight, the fridge is empty, and the Hunger Monster follows Lulu everywhere. At home, to school, and back again, Lulu can’t concentrate as the creature haunts her every step. What’s worse, her mom won’t talk about it. Lulu and the Hunger Monster ™ gives adults a chance to talk about childhood hunger with kids in ways that they’ll understand. As she moves through the world, small actions from others help keep the Hunger Monster away, making Lulu feel less alone. It also shows how everyday actions—by kids and adults—can help end childhood hunger.
Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill, Illustrated by Brizida Magro
When Molly and her mom run out of food at home, they go to the food pantry. One weekend, Molly sees a classmate from school at the food pantry. Caitlin’s embarrassed to be there, but Molly welcomed her, showing her that there’s nothing to be ashamed of—we all need help sometimes! Saturday at the Food Pantry helps take away the shame of going to food pantries and accepting help from others. It teaches children to be kind to one another in the face of big ideas of class and who “deserves” help.
Our Little Kitchen: A Joyful Story of Neighbors Cooking Together and Helping Others written and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Everyone falls on hard times, and when we do, we all need community. Our Little Kitchen celebrates a community coming together to make a meal, each person bringing what they’ve grown or bought. Together, they make a meal for the entire neighborhood, sharing good food and even better company. Alone, no one has enough food to make a meal. But by leaning on each other, the community has enough to feed everyone. Food brings people together, and that’s worth celebrating.
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For more info about how we can support those experiencing food insecurity, check out How Community Food Pantries Can Support Readers and Create New Ones.
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