Infographics
1 out of 8 of all households with children
were food insecure in 2021
About the Data Insights
More than 34 million people in the United States were living in food insecure households in 2021, a decline from 38 million in 2020. The combination of the expanded child tax credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and private donations all contributed to reducing food insecurity during the pandemic. Still there is much more work to be done, with food costs spiking 11.4%, the largest annual increase since 1979, inflation factors could easily cause food insecurity to grow.
This infographic highlights the many challenges contributing to food security in the U.S. as well as steps to improve food access and strengthen food systems nationwide.
If you need food today
Your local food bank can help you find food today. Feeding America partners with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs in many local communities to give away free food. Find your local food bank here
Food security definition: Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Servic, September 2022.
34 million: Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Servic, September 2022.
53 million: Feeding America, Hunger in America, 2021
What does it mean to be food insecure in the United States?
What does it mean to be food insecure in the United States: Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Servic, September 2022.
Pie Chart
Food insecurity
Indicators of food insecurity in 2021
Who is most affected by food insecurity?
Who is most affected by food insecurity: Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, September 2022.
All US households with children
Single female households with children
Single male households with children
Households with children under the age 6
Race/Ethnicity
Area of Residence
Native Americans: Feeding America, Hunger impacts Native American families and communities
Drop in food insecurity rates from 2020-2021: Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, Anita Singh, Household Food Security in the United States in 2021, ERR-309, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, September 2022.
12.5% of U.S. households with children were food insecure
Down from 14.8% in 2020
The expanded child tax credit: CNN Politics, White House seeks to tackle food insecurity at first hunger conference since 1969, September 2022
What influences food security?
Nutrition security: Trust for America’s Health, State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America, September 2022
What influences food security: Feeding America, Hunger and Food Insecurity
Having a chronic condition or disability
Lack of affordable housing
Poverty or unemployment
Lack of access to healthcare
Systemic racism & racial discrimination
Inflation impacting food security: CNN Business, Food prices are still soaring — here's what's getting more expensive, September 2022
What is the connection between food insecurity and health?
What is the connection between food insecurity and health: Gundersen, C., & Ziliak, J. P., Food insecurity and health outcomes. Health Affairs, 2015
Children's health
Adult's health
Obesity: Trust for America’s Health, State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America, September 2022
What strategies can be implemented to mitigate food insecurity?Food system transformations: FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2021. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021. Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all. Rome, FAO., 2021
Improving access to food: The Center for American Progress, The United States Can End Hunger and Food Insecurity for Millions of People, August 2022
Equity lens: The Center for American Progress, The United States Can End Hunger and Food Insecurity for Millions of People, August 2022
Webinar
October 18, 2022. Updated on: November 11, 2022.
Food Insecurity and Health: Strategies to Address Community Needs
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