The Reality of Food Insecurity in the United States
While 'undernourished' is a global term for insufficient caloric intake, in the U.S., the issue of insufficient access to adequate food is measured as food insecurity. The USDA's 2023 data, released in September 2024, showed that 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure, an increase for the second year in a row. This affected about 47.4 million Americans, with 5.1% experiencing the more severe 'very low food security'.
Who is Most Affected by Food Insecurity?
Certain communities face disproportionately high rates of food insecurity.
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Black and Latinx households have significantly higher rates (23.3% and 21.9% respectively) compared to White non-Latinx households (9.9%), linked to systemic inequities.
- Single-Parent Households: Households led by single women had a 34.7% food insecurity rate in 2023.
- Children: Almost 14 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2023.
- Geographic Areas: The Southern U.S., along with urban and rural areas, had higher rates in 2023.
- People with Disabilities: This group often faces higher rates due to lower income and healthcare costs.
Key Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity
Several factors contribute to food insecurity:
- Income: Low wages and unstable income are major drivers. The end of pandemic-era aid contributed to recent increases.
- Cost of Living: Rising costs for housing, healthcare, and other necessities force difficult choices between expenses and food.
- Food Deserts: Living in low-income areas far from supermarkets, often with limited transportation, restricts access to affordable, healthy food.
- Health: High healthcare costs and the link between poor nutrition and worsened health create a cycle of vulnerability.
Comparing Food Insecurity and Undernourishment
| Feature | Food Insecurity (US Context) | Undernourishment (Global Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. | A state of insufficient dietary energy intake over a prolonged period to maintain a healthy, active life. |
| Measurement | Conducted by the USDA via a national survey measuring concerns about food access, running out of food, and skipping meals. | Typically measured by the FAO using national food balance sheets and survey data, often reported as a percentage of the population. |
| Scope | Includes both low and very low food security, focusing on affordability and access. | Primarily measures the deficit of dietary energy (calories), a key indicator of hunger. |
| Severity | Ranges from mild to severe; 'very low food security' involves reduced food intake. | Implies a chronic state of receiving less energy than required, often due to extreme poverty and food scarcity. |
Conclusion
While the U.S. population isn't classified as 'undernourished' globally, food insecurity is a significant challenge affecting 13.5% of households in 2023, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups. This is a systemic issue caused by low incomes, high costs, and limited food access, particularly in food deserts. Addressing it requires interventions like strengthening social safety nets and improving food access infrastructure.
Visit Feeding America for more information and resources on food insecurity in the United States.
