The debilitating poverty faced by communities plagued by gun violence, coincides with severe hunger and malnourishment. Families without access to a dignified living cannot afford to provide necessary nutrients. Neighbourhoods plagued by violence become food deserts, with stores unwilling to locate due to the violence and lack of resources of the community. Violence also reduces supply of food leading to higher prices in the communities with no support to adapt. During times of turmoil and food shortage, communities affected by gun violence are much less likely to have access to social welfare programs to assist them.

Food insecurity is linked to increased risk of democratic failure, protests and rioting, communal violence and civil conflict. Violent conflicts, in turn, create food insecurity, malnutrition and – in some instances – famine. 

Read more: 

https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/a-i5521e_0.pdf  

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/hunger-and-war/  

https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/what-is-famine-and-how-can-we-stop-it/