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Key Statistics & Graphics on Food Insecurity in US

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Key Statistics & Graphics on Food Insecurity in US

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Note: The release of the Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 report and corresponding statistical supplement will be on October 25, 2023, due to updates to the survey instrument that were implemented for the first time in 2022. This page provides the following information:
Food Security Status of U.S. Households in 2021

Food secure -These households had access, at all times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members.

89.8 percent (118.5 million) of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2021.

Essentially unchanged, or not significantly different, from 89.5 percent in 2020.

Download chart data in Excel format.

Food insecure -At times during the year, these households were uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they had insufficient money or other resources for food. Food-insecure households include those with low food security and very low food security.

10.2 percent (13.5 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2021.

Essentially unchanged from 10.5 percent in 2020.

Low food security -These food-insecure households obtained enough food to avoid substantially disrupting their eating patterns or reducing food intake by using a variety of coping strategies, such as eating less varied diets, participating in Federal food assistance programs, or getting food from community food pantries.

6.4 percent (8.4 million) of U.S. households had low food security in 2021.

Essentially unchanged from 6.6 percent in 2020.

Very low food security -In these food-insecure households, normal eating patterns of one or more household members were disrupted and food intake was reduced at times during the year because they had insufficient money or other resources for food.

3.8 percent (5.1 million) of U.S. households had very low food security at some time during 2021.

This estimate is essentially unchanged from 3.9 percent in 2020.

Food Security Status of U.S. Households with Children in 2021

Among U.S. households with children under age 18:

87.5 percent of households with children were food secure in 2021.

Household food insecurity affected 12.5 percent of households with children in 2021. In some of these food-insecure households only adults were food insecure, while in other households children also experienced food insecurity.

In 6.3 percent of households with children, only adults were food insecure.

Both children and adults were food insecure in 6.2 percent of households with children (2.3 million households).

Children are usually protected from substantial reductions in food intake even in households with very low food security. Nevertheless, in about 0.7 percent of households with children (274,000 households), one or more child also experienced reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns at some time during the year.

Download chart data in Excel format.

For more information, see the ERS report:

Food Insecurity in Households With Children: Prevalence, Severity, and Household Characteristics, 2010-11

How Many People Lived in Food-insecure Households?

In 2021:

33.8 million people lived in food-insecure households.

8.6 million adults lived in households with very low food security.

5.0 million children lived in food-insecure households in which children, along with adults, were food insecure.

521,000 children (0.7 percent of the Nation's children) lived in households in which one or more child experienced very low food security.

For more information, see Food Insecurity in the U.S.: Frequency of Food Insecurity.

Food Insecurity by Household Characteristics

The prevalence of food insecurity varied considerably among household types. Rates of food insecurity were higher than the national average (10.2 percent) for the following groups:

All households with children (12.5 percent).

Households with children under age 6 (12.9 percent).

Households with children headed by a single woman (24.3 percent) or a single man (16.2 percent).

Women living alone (13.2 percent) and men living alone (12.3 percent).

Households with Black, non-Hispanic (19.8 percent) and Hispanic reference persons (16.2 percent; a household reference person is an adult household member in whose name the housing unit is owned or rented).

Households with incomes below 185 percent of the poverty threshold (26.5 percent; the Federal poverty line was $27,479 for a family of four in 2021).

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Overall, households with children had a substantially higher rate of food insecurity (12.5 percent) than those without children (9.4 percent). Among households with children, married couple families had the lowest rate of food insecurity (7.4 percent).

The prevalence of food insecurity was highest for households located in principal cities of metropolitan areas (12.2 percent), near the national average in nonmetropolitan areas (10.8 percent), and lowest in suburban and other metropolitan areas outside principal cities (8.8 percent).

Regionally, the prevalence of food insecurity in the Northeast (8.8 percent) was significantly below the U.S. average, while the prevalence in the South (11.4 percent) was significantly above the U.S. average.

For interactive data visualizations, see Interactive Charts and Highlights.

Very Low Food Security by Household Characteristics

The prevalence of very low food security in various types of households followed a pattern similar to that observed for food insecurity overall. Very low food security was more prevalent than the national average (3.8 percent) for the following groups:

Households with children headed by a single woman (8.0 percent).

Women living alone (6.0 percent) and men living alone (5.9 percent).

Households with reference persons who are Black, non-Hispanic (7.9 percent) and Hispanic (5.5 percent).

Households with incomes below 185 percent of the poverty line (10.2 percent).

Households located in principal cities (4.6 percent).

Download chart data in Excel format.

Trends in Prevalence Rates

The 2021 prevalence of food insecurity (10.2 percent) was not significantly different from the 2020 and 2019 prevalence of 10.5 percent. Regarding earlier trends, a statistically-significant decline in the prevalence of food insecurity from 11.1 percent in 2018 to 10.5 percent occurred in 2019. For the first time, in 2019, food insecurity was statistically significantly-at the 90 percent confidence level-below the 11.1 percent pre-recession level of 2007.

The prevalence of very low food security in 2021 (3.8 percent) was not significantly different from the prevalence in 2020 (3.9 percent) or 2019 (4.1 percent). The prevalence of very low food security in 2021 was significantly lower than the prevalence in 2018 (4.3 percent).

The year-to-year deviations from a consistent downward trend between 1995 and 2000 include a substantial 2-year cycle that is believed to result from seasonal effects on food security prevalence rates. The Current Population Survey (CPS) food security surveys over this period were conducted in April in odd-numbered years and August or September in even-numbered years. Measured prevalence of food insecurity was higher in the August/September collections, suggesting a seasonal-response effect. In 2001 and later years, the surveys were conducted in early December, which avoided seasonal effects in interpreting annual changes.

Download chart data in Excel format.

State-level Prevalence of Food Insecurity

Prevalence rates of food insecurity varied considerably from State to State. Data for 3 years, 2019-2021, were combined to provide more reliable statistics at the State level. Estimated prevalence rates of food insecurity during this 3-year period ranged from 5.4 percent in New Hampshire to 15.3 percent in Mississippi; estimated prevalence rates of very low food security ranged from 1.8 percent in North Dakota to 6.3 percent in Arkansas.

Download chart data in Excel format.

This section is based on the publication:

Household Food Security in the United States in 2021

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Current trends, statistics, charts, and maps related to food security--access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.

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Audio Recording on My Plans for this Year

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Audio Recording on My Plans for this Year

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"With 22% of residents living below the poverty line, the parish has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country."

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Summit addresses food insecurity across St. Landry Parish

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OPELOUSAS, La. - Second Harvest is partnering with the St. Landry Community Accelerator Committee for the Thrive Community Summit.

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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes food desert bill

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State Senator Royce Duplessis told WDSU the governor vetoed senate bill 287, which he developed alongside the Urban League of Louisiana.

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More than 10% of Americans experienced a lack of regular access to affordable and nutritious food in 2021, according to data from Feeding America. Food insecurity is more prevalent in rural areas than in metro areas and disproportionately affects Black and Latino households. Regionally, the highest food insecurity rate can be found in the South (11.4%). Food insecurity has far-reaching implications, from chronic health issues to an individual's ability to finish schooling.

Stacker compiled food insecurity rates in St. Landry Parish using data from Feeding America. Food insecurity statistics are as of 2021.

St. Landry Parish food insecurity by the numbers
- Insecurity rate: 15.0%
- Insecure population: 12,450 people
- Cost per meal: $3.30
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,260,000

Louisiana food insecurity by the numbers
- Insecurity rate: 14.8%
- Insecure population: 683,110 people
- Cost per meal: $3.39
- Annual food budget shortfall: $409,582,000

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Food insecurity rates in St. Landry Parish, LA

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Stacker compiled food insecurity rates in St. Landry Parish using data from Feeding America.

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Summer Meal Program for Childeren in St. Landry Parish

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Summer Meal Program for Childeren in St. Landry Parish

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"An Analysis of the Determinants of Food Insecurity with Severe Hunger in Selected Southern States"

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"An Analysis of the Determinants of Food Insecurity with Severe Hunger in Selected Southern States"

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An Analysis of the Determinants of Food Insecurity with Severe Hunger in Selected Southern States

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This study predicts food insecurity with severe hunger versus food insecurity with moderate hunger among low-income households with children and without children. Data for the study was generated from a survey of the clients of nonprofit food assistance agencies in selected southern states. The questionnaire incorporated the 18 core questions for assessing food insecurity, as well as the socio-demographic characteristics of users. A two-stage process involving the application of the Rasch measurement scale and the Logit model was employed to analyze the data. Results indicate that for both households with children and households without children, income was a significant predictor of food insecurity with severe hunger. However, the food stamp recipient variable was an equally important predictor of severe food insecurity among households with children. State and rural-urban differences were also analyzed.

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The structural roots of food insecurity: How racism is a fundamental cause of food insecurity

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The structural roots of food insecurity: How racism is a fundamental cause of food insecurity

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A systematic review of food pantry-based interventions in the USA

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A systematic review of food pantry-based interventions in the USA

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A systematic review of food pantry-based interventions in the USA | Public Health Nutrition | Cambridge Core

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A systematic review of food pantry-based interventions in the USA - Volume 22 Issue 9

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A review of the food security, diet and health outcomes of food pantry clients and the potential for their improvement through food pantry interventions in the United States

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A review of the food security, diet and health outcomes of food pantry clients and the potential for their improvement through food pantry interventions in the United States

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Food pantry clients' needs, preferences, and recommendations for food pantries: a qualitative study

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Food pantry clients' needs, preferences, and recommendations for food pantries: a qualitative study

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doi: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2058334.

Affiliations

¹ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States.

² University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States.

³ Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, 21205-2103 United States.

⁴ University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, 1 Constitution Plaza, Storrs, 06269 United States.

doi: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2058334.

Affiliations

¹ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States.

² University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, 72703-5011 United States.

³ Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, 21205-2103 United States.

⁴ University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, 1 Constitution Plaza, Storrs, 06269 United States.

Abstract

A qualitative formative approach was used to explore food pantry clients' needs, preferences, and recommendations regarding food received from food pantries. Fifty adult clients of six Arkansas food pantries were interviewed in English, Spanish, or Marshallese. Data analysis used the constant comparative qualitative methodology. In choice and minimal choice pantries, three themes emerged: clients need increased quantities of food, particularly more proteins and dairy; clients desire higher quality food, including healthy food and food not close to expiration; and clients desire familiar foods and food appropriate for their health needs. System level policy changes are needed to address clients' recommendations.

Keywords: Charitable Food System; Chronic Disease; Food Insecurity; Food Pantry; Food Preferences.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Interest Statement: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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Gucciardi E, Vahabi M, Norris N, Del Monte JP, Farnum C. The Intersection between Food Insecurity and Diabetes: A Review. Curr Nutr Rep. 2014;3(4):324-332. doi:10.1007/s13668-014-0104-4 - DOI - PMC - PubMed

Seligman HK, Laraia BA, Kushel MB. Food insecurity is associated with chronic disease among low-income NHANES participants. J Nutr. Feb 2010;140(2):304-10. doi:10.3945/jn.109.112573 - DOI - PMC - PubMed

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Gregory CA, Coleman-Jensen A. Food Insecurity, Chronic Disease, and Health Among Working-Age Adults. 2017. Accessed November 29, 2018. https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/84467/err-235.pdf

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Food Pantry Clients' Needs, Preferences, and Recommendations for Food Pantries: A Qualitative Study - PubMed

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A qualitative formative approach was used to explore food pantry clients' needs, preferences, and recommendations regarding food received from food pantries. Fifty adult clients of six Arkansas food pantries were interviewed in English, Spanish, or Marshallese. Data analysis used the constant compar ...

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USDA ERS - Food Security and Nutrition Assistance

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ERS monitors the food security of U.S. households through an annual, nationally representative survey. While most U.S. households are food secure, a minority of U.S. households experience food insecurity at times during the year, meaning that their access to adequate food for active, healthy living is limited by lack of money and other resources. Some experience very low food security, a more severe range of food insecurity where food intake of one or more members is reduced and normal eating patterns are disrupted. Reliable monitoring of food security contributes to the effective operation of USDA’s food and nutrition assistance programs aimed at reducing food insecurity.

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Food Insecurity - Healthy People 2030 | health.gov

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Food insecurity is defined as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.1 In 2020, 13.8 million households were food insecure at some time during the year.2 Food insecurity does not necessarily cause hunger,i but hunger is a possible outcome of food insecurity.3

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Serving up kindness: How to help food banks, food rescues and more tackle food insecurity this holiday

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Serving up kindness: How to help food banks, food rescues and more tackle food insecurity this holiday

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Read the latest stories about food insecurity on Time

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Why Community Fridges Won't Solve Hunger

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Fridges stocked with free food are popping up in low-income neighborhoods—but they’re part of a charity-based approach that isn’t tapping into what residents actually want.