Despite federal food assistance programs, the number of food-insecure households continues to grow, with alarming increases in both child hunger and severe food insecurity.
Food insecurity in the United States saw a notable increase in 2023, with 13.5 percent of households—equating to 18 million—experiencing difficulty in acquiring sufficient food due to a lack of resources, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). This figure marks a rise from 12.8 percent in 2022 and continues a concerning upward trend in food insecurity that has been observed since 2021.
The annual report, which is based on data collected through the Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey, highlights the growing challenge faced by millions of American households. Food security, defined as having reliable access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is essential to well-being, yet the statistics suggest that a significant portion of the population continues to struggle to meet this basic need.
In 2023, a particularly troubling statistic emerged: 5.1 percent of U.S. households, or about 6.8 million homes, faced very low food security. This category, representing the more severe end of the spectrum, means that some household members reduced food intake or experienced disrupted eating patterns due to financial constraints. As stated in the report, this number is statistically similar to 2022 but reflects a significant increase from the 3.8 percent recorded in 2021.
The report also sheds light on food insecurity among households with children. In 2023, 8.9 percent of households with children, or 3.2 million families, reported experiencing food insecurity. Although this rate is statistically similar to the 8.8 percent noted in 2022, it represents a stark rise from 6.2 percent in 2021. “These households were unable at times to provide adequate, nutritious food for their children,” the report highlighted.
Most disturbingly, 1 percent of households with children, amounting to 374,000 households, reported very low food security for both adults and children in 2023. This severe condition resulted in children experiencing hunger, skipping meals, or going an entire day without food. This figure, unchanged from 2022, reflects a slight increase from the 0.7 percent observed in 2021. According to the report, such cases underscore the vulnerability of children in low-income households, despite efforts to shield them from the worst impacts of food insecurity.
The USDA has long aimed to reduce food insecurity through a variety of food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program. These programs provide critical support to low-income households, offering them access to food and nutrition education. However, the report indicates that despite these efforts, the number of food-insecure households has remained stubbornly high, impacted by broader economic factors and local and national policies.
The 2023 findings underscore the need for continued attention and action on food security in the U.S. With 13.5 percent of households still struggling to provide adequate nutrition, the issue remains a pressing concern for policymakers. As detailed in the USDA’s summary, the annual survey, which covered a representative sample of 30,863 households, serves as a key indicator of the ongoing challenges faced by millions of Americans in securing basic food needs.
As the report notes, “food insecurity was statistically significantly higher than the 12.8 percent recorded in 2022,” and this continued rise suggests that the problem is far from resolved. With the prevalence of food insecurity showing no signs of abating, targeted policy interventions and enhanced support systems may be necessary to reverse this troubling trend
