Six Southern states have hungry children

Washington: Study on hunger shows 17% of U.S. children under 5 may be suffering

The danger with the hunger issue is that the children who are suffering from hunger could develop cognitive and developmental problems.

The study from the non-profit Feeding America also shows that in 11 states, more than 20 percent of children under 5 are at risk of going hungry. Louisiana has the highest rate, with just under a quarter of children at risk, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho and Arkansas.

Dr. John Cook, the lead researcher on the report and an associate professor of pediatrics at Boston Medical Center, says hunger varies by state based on two main factors — the level of employment and poverty, and the extent of food and income assistance programs in the region.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Budget battle continues -- House rejects Senate's $2.5 billion budget

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe wants state agencies to use companies in the state for stimulus projects

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist signs tougher seat belt law

GEORGIA: Opinion: Jay Bookman -- Georgia's ruling party still the GOB

KENTUCKY: Sen. Bunning may reconsider third try if fundraising goals unmet

LOUISIANA: Sen. Vitter criticized for stalling the vote on FEMA nominee

MISSISSIPPI: Cigarette tax increase of 50-cents a pack clears legislature

NORTH CAROLINA: Altered, narrowed smoking ban upsets both health advocates and tobacco boosters

SOUTH CAROLINA: State to limit imported garbage

TENNESSEE: House panel approves Native American legislation

VIRGINIA: Report says state isn't doing enough for the poor

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