In these times of recession and job loss, factors such as hunger, poverty and homelessness can play as much of a role in school performance as teacher quality,  education policy and curriculum standards.

This week, the Bread for The World Institute is releasing a new analysis showing that almost one-third of Latino immigrant children are at risk of going hungry, and one-third of Latino immigrant families depend on food banks to survive.  The analysis uses Census and other government data to examine the hunger crisis among these families.

For undocumented immigrant families, the problem is heightened because they may not be eligible for federal assistance or free school meals.

A teleconference on the report, “Hunger and Poverty among Latino Immigrant Children,” will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT. The conference call number is:  888-208-1812. Confirmation Code is  4083180.

The American Psychological Association has also compiled an extensive list of the effects of hunger and homelessness on children and resources for more information.