While the state's economy has improved in recent years, a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says one in seven Michigan households still struggles to avoid hunger.

Food Bank of Central Michigan executive director Phillip Knight says while economic insecurity is an underlying factor in food insecurity, hunger must be addressed first in order for families to get ahead.

"If you're hungry, you only have one problem. Your mind's really not free to think about education, or health care or getting a better job. You're thinking about what am I going to eat today and what am I going to give my kids."

There are 602,000 low-income Michigan children receiving free or reduced-price lunches, but only about half of them are getting a school breakfast, which experts say is one way to reduce food insecurity among children.