Food Insecurity Levels Still Higher Than Pre-Recession Levels
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported today that 12.3 percent of American households remain food insecure – meaning that 1 in 8 households in the United States had difficulty at some time during the year in providing enough food for all their members. Although figures have improved since the peak of food insecurity in 2011 following the Great Recession, the numbers of people experiencing food insecurity have not reached pre-recession lows.
The report released today, Household Food Security in the United States in 2016, is published by USDA’s Economic Research Service and reports on data collected in December 2016. The report also presents statistics on how much households spent on food, and the extent to which food-insecure households participated in federal and community food assistance programs for 2016.
According to USDA, more than 41 million Americans face hunger, including nearly 13 million children. Some of the groups experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity include households with children led by single women and people living below the poverty level. In addition, about a quarter of food-insecure households report incomes that make them ineligible for any form of federal food assistance.
“Even though the economy is slowly recovering from the recession, this report should be a siren to stakeholders that there is still much work to be done,” said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America. “Hunger in America is an extensive problem, but not one without a solution. We need policymakers, food banks, corporations, farmers and funders to work together to strengthen federal nutrition programs, reduce wasted food, and increase access to nutritious food so that all of members of our communities get the nourishment they need.”
To see the full report, visit https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=84972 .
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.