What does Richard hunger for?

One thing Richard mentions numerous times in the novel is his hunger for food. When he sees other boys at school buying food for lunch he is struck with jealousy and wants to be able to earn money so he can also buy a lunch. A negative effect of this is that he starts to dispute with his Granny about working on Saturdays. She doesn't want him working on the sabath since she is very religious, and these disagreements cause more chaos in Richard's household. However, Richard's job search also has positive outcome, since he is able to learn some responsability.
Food is not the only thing Richard Hungers for. He also has a desire to be respected by boys around, both black and white. Richard is part of a gang in Arkansas and engages in battles of throwing rocks and glass at a gang of white boys. When Richard moves in with Uncle Clark and starts at a new school, he fights with his classmates to prove how tough he can be. He even throws a brick at another child. The negative outcome of these fights are that Richard gets in trouble with the adults in his life for being so violent with his peers. However, a positive outcome is that he is able to feel a little better about himself and more confident. He can also defend himself in dangerous situations since he has become so skilled at fighting.
One last thing I found that Richard hungers for is strong relationships with the adults in his life. Although he doesn't admit to this directly, I believe that Richard's misdeeds and disrespect are simply his way of coping with the fact that he is not close to his mother and Granny while also trying to get their attention. A negative effect of this is that it makes him grow even father apart from these adults, since more fights breakout in the household and Richard is punished for being disrespectful and misbehaving. However, a positive effect is that perhaps one day, when Richard is mature enough, he will be able to express his desire for a stronger relationship with his mother and Granny.