Is there food insecurity in the United States? The surprising truth behind US hunger

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 USDA report, household food insecurity increased for the second consecutive year in 2023, with 13.5% of US households—or 47.4 million Americans—experiencing a lack of reliable access to nutritious, affordable food. The answer to whether there is food insecurity in the United States is a resounding yes, and its causes are complex and systemic.

Quick Summary

Despite a robust economy, millions of Americans face inconsistent access to adequate, nutritious food due to high costs, systemic inequality, and expiring pandemic-era aid. Key factors include low wages, geographic limitations, and health issues.

Key Points

Prevalence in the US: According to a 2024 USDA report, 13.5% of US households experienced food insecurity in 2023, representing 47.4 million Americans.
Systemic, not Personal Failure: Food insecurity is driven by systemic factors like low wages, high costs of living, and economic inequality, rather than personal shortcomings.
Disproportionate Impact: Racial and ethnic minorities, single-parent households, and individuals in poverty are disproportionately affected by food insecurity.
Health Consequences: Food insecurity is directly linked to negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases, poor childhood development, and mental health issues.
Pandemic's Lingering Effect: The rise in food insecurity reversed a previous downward trend, largely due to the expiration of pandemic-era aid and persistent high food prices.
Solutions Involve Policy and Action: Addressing food insecurity requires both strong federal nutrition programs and local community support, alongside efforts to tackle its root causes.

Understanding the Complexities of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a multifaceted issue distinct from hunger, which is a physical feeling. It describes a household's uncertain ability to acquire sufficient nutritious and safe food. This might mean compromising on diet quality or choosing cheaper, less healthy options due to limited funds. The USDA defines levels of food security, including "very low food security" for those who frequently skip meals.

The Rise of Food Insecurity Post-Pandemic

After a period of decline following the Great Recession, food insecurity rates were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While initial federal aid helped, its expiration, combined with inflation and rising food costs, has led to a recent increase in food hardship.

Root Causes: Why Is Food Insecurity Still a Problem?

Food insecurity stems from interconnected economic, social, and geographic factors.

Low Income and Unemployment: Low-wage jobs often don't cover basic needs, forcing difficult choices between food and other necessities.
High Cost of Living: Rising costs for essentials like rent and healthcare strain budgets, impacting food purchases even for those above the poverty line.
Systemic Inequities: Racial and ethnic discrimination contributes to economic disadvantages, leading to higher food insecurity rates in minority communities.
Geographic Barriers: Limited access to affordable, healthy food stores in some areas, known as “food deserts,” restricts options.
Health Challenges: Chronic health issues increase costs and can be exacerbated by poor nutrition resulting from food insecurity.

Comparing Approaches: Federal vs. Local Aid

Addressing food insecurity involves both broad federal programs and local community efforts.


Feature	Federal Programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC)	Local Food Banks and Pantries
Reach	National and statewide. Broadest reach across the country.	Regional and local. Serve specific neighborhoods or communities.
Structure	Administered by government agencies, typically with strict eligibility criteria and regulated benefits.	Independent non-profits, often relying on donations, volunteers, and partnerships.
Speed of Access	Application process can involve waiting periods for eligibility verification.	Often provide immediate, emergency food assistance to those in need.
Benefit Type	Financial benefits (EBT cards) for purchasing groceries at approved retailers.	Direct distribution of food and groceries, typically through pantries or meal programs.
Program Focus	Broad anti-poverty and nutritional support. Benefits adjust based on income and household size.	Immediate relief, often offering supplemental food and additional resources..

The Long-Term Impacts of Food Insecurity

Food insecurity has significant consequences. For children, it can lead to health and behavioral issues and lower academic performance. Adults face a higher risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. These impacts also strain healthcare systems and reduce economic productivity.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

Data confirms that food insecurity is a persistent issue in the United States, affecting millions and recently increasing. Effective solutions require strengthening federal aid programs and addressing root causes like income inequality and systemic discrimination. Supporting food banks and advocating for equitable economic policies are crucial steps towards ensuring all Americans have consistent access to nutritious food. For further resources, visit Feeding America [https://www.feedingamerica.org].

Combating Food Insecurity

Advocate for Policy Changes: Support legislation to strengthen federal nutrition programs and address poverty.
Support Local Food Banks: Donate to or volunteer at local organizations providing emergency food aid.
Educate Others: Raise awareness about food insecurity beyond simple hunger.
Push for Economic Opportunity: Advocate for policies promoting higher wages and affordable housing.
Back Community-Focused Agriculture: Support initiatives making healthy food accessible in low-income areas.

FAQs About Food Insecurity in the United States

Question: What is the difference between food insecurity and hunger? Answer: Hunger is the individual physiological sensation. Food insecurity is a household measure of uncertain access to enough nutritious food. One can be food insecure without always being hungry.

Question: How many people are food insecure in the United States? Answer: In 2023, 13.5% of US households, or 47.4 million people, experienced food insecurity, an increase from previous years.

Question: Which demographics are most affected by food insecurity? Answer: Rates are higher among Black and Latinx households and single-parent households headed by women.

Question: Does food insecurity occur in all parts of the country? Answer: Yes, it is present in every county, affecting both urban and rural areas, though prevalence varies.

Question: Are children affected by food insecurity? Answer: Yes, 13.8 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2023. It negatively impacts their health, behavior, and academics.

Question: What are some common causes of food insecurity? Answer: Low wages, high costs of living, unemployment, systemic discrimination, and limited access to food stores in areas like “food deserts” are common causes.

Question: What government programs help with food insecurity? Answer: Federal programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals provide support, alongside local food banks and non-profits.

Question: How does food insecurity affect health? Answer: It's linked to poorer physical and mental health, including chronic diseases and mental health issues.

Question: What happens when federal benefits like SNAP expire? Answer: The end of expanded pandemic benefits has contributed to the recent rise in food insecurity, making it harder for many to afford food.

Question: Is it possible to be food insecure even with an income above the poverty line? Answer: Yes, high living costs can strain budgets, leaving little for nutritious food even with incomes above the poverty line.

Question: What is the difference between "low food security" and "very low food security"? Answer: "Low food security" involves reduced diet quality or variety with little change in intake. "Very low food security" involves disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake due to lack of money.

Question: What impact does systemic racism have on food insecurity? Answer: Systemic racism contributes to higher rates in minority communities through discrimination in areas like employment and housing.

Question: Can food insecurity be solved completely? Answer: While challenging, it is an achievable goal through addressing poverty, improving assistance programs, and reducing systemic inequities.

Question: How can one find local food assistance programs? Answer: Tools from organizations like Feeding America or dialing 2-1-1 can help locate local food banks, pantries, and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hunger is the individual-level physiological sensation of not having enough to eat. Food insecurity, on the other hand, is a household-level measure of the uncertainty or limited availability of enough nutritious food. A person can be food insecure without always being physically hungry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that in 2023, 13.5% of households, representing 47.4 million people, were food insecure. This represents an increase over the two previous years.

Food insecurity disproportionately affects certain groups. In 2023, rates were significantly higher for Black and Latinx households than for white households, and single-parent households headed by women were also particularly vulnerable.

Yes, food insecurity exists in every county in the United States, although prevalence rates vary by region, and it affects both urban and rural communities.

Yes, children are significantly affected. In 2023, 13.8 million children lived in food-insecure households. Food insecurity can negatively impact their health, behavior, and academic performance.

Common causes include low wages, high costs of living (for food, housing, and healthcare), unemployment, systemic discrimination, and geographic barriers like living in a “food desert”.

Federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meal programs provide critical support. There are also local and non-profit initiatives like food banks.

Food insecurity is linked to poorer physical and mental health. It can lead to nutrient deficiencies, chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The expiration of expanded pandemic-era benefits has contributed to the recent rise in food insecurity. Reduced assistance makes it harder for many households to afford an adequate diet.

Yes. Many households earning above the federal poverty line still experience food insecurity due to the high cost of living, which can absorb most of their income, leaving little for nutritious food.

Both are categories of food insecurity measured by the USDA. "Low food security" indicates a reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet, with little to no reduced food intake. "Very low food security" means households have experienced disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake due to lack of money.

Systemic racism contributes to disproportionately higher rates of food insecurity in minority communities, especially Black, Latinx, and Native American households. This is due to historical and ongoing discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and wages.

While completely eliminating food insecurity is a significant challenge, it is an achievable goal. A multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of poverty, improves food assistance programs, and reduces systemic inequities can make a substantial impact.

Organizations like Feeding America have online tools where you can enter a zip code to find nearby food banks, pantries, and meal programs. Dialing 2-1-1 is also a resource for connecting with local assistance services.