Rising Hunger in America: The Growing Food Insecurity Crisis

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Hunger is on the rise in America as inflation continues to soar and the cost of food is at all time highs. Many families are having to apply for food stamps for the first time ever. With little funds and no stimulus from the government, many families are having to cut back on their food consumption.

Food security, or everyone having access to enough food for an active, healthy life at all times, is one of the necessary conditions for a population to be well-nourished and healthy.

According to the USDA, there is increasing hunger: In 2022, almost 17 million families reported experiencing food insecurity. That represents 12.8% of US households, an increase that is slightly over 10% rates that prevailed in 2020 and 2021. Another figure to consider for a moment is: Hunger is a problem in one-third of single-mother households with children.

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Compared to the average food-insecure home of the same size and makeup, the typical food-secure household spent 15% more on food in 2022.

Approximately 55% of households experiencing food insecurity engaged in one or more of the three major federal nutrition assistance programs:

U.S. Department of Agriculture: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the National School Lunch Program

If you or somebody you know is in need of food assistance, you can find local food banks and get help applying for SNAP at Feeding America.

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