New USDA report on hunger reinforces importance of food assistance programs & community-based efforts
November 1, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 report last week. While most U.S. households have consistent, dependable access to enough food for healthy living, about 1 in 8 households across America struggled with hunger last year. National rates were higher for those who live in rural areas, as well as for those who identify as Black or Latine. In Colorado, the report showed that hunger is decreasing, but nearly 1 in 11 households (8.9%) still report not having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious foods.
Additionally, experts agree that we’ll likely see an increase in hunger rates for 2023 when next year's report is released. This is due to the end of emergency benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the unwinding of Medicaid’s continuous coverage, on top of persistently high inflation rates and cost of living.
All of this reinforces why Congress needs to fully fund WIC, formally known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children, in this year’s federal budget, as well as protect and strengthen SNAP in the Farm Bill.
It also shows the importance of community-based efforts that directly connect community members to healthy food options near where they live. Local food pantries and banks are providing food to those who cannot afford it otherwise; grassroots organizations are helping families apply for benefits and access community resources; coalitions are working to transform their area’s food systems; local producers and small grocers are increasing available food options; and schools and community partners are ensuring kids are fueled for the day thanks to Healthy School Meals for All as well as afterschool and summer meal programs.
In the words of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “The report is a sobering reminder that, while the vast majority of Americans are able to affordably feed themselves and their families, too many of our neighbors struggle to put healthy food on the table. These numbers are more than statistics. They paint a picture of just how many Americans faced the heartbreaking challenge last year of struggling to meet a basic need for themselves and their children, and the survey responses should be a wake-up call to those wanting to further roll back our anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs.”