Food insecurity in U.S. now exceeds pandemic-era levels, New York Fed survey finds
7 reported
A survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that food insecurity in the United States is higher now than during the summer of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused double-digit unemployment. The survey, conducted in February, asked Americans about skipping meals, relying on food donations, or receiving federal food assistance. Nationwide, 10% of families reported missing meals for lack of food, and nearly 16% relied on food donations. Among families earning less than $50,000 a year, nearly 20% were forced to skip meals. The survey was conducted before the U.S. war with Iran, which caused a spike in gasoline prices. The Agriculture Department halted its own research on food insecurity last year, stating the studies did “nothing more than fear monger.”
What’s reported
The New York Fed survey found higher levels of food insecurity in February than during the summer of 2020.
Nationwide, 10% of families reported missing meals for lack of food, and nearly 16% relied on food donations.
Among families earning less than $50,000 a year, nearly 20% were forced to skip meals or go without.
In 2020, just 4% of households reported missing meals, including less than 7% of families earning less than $50,000 a year.
Nearly 18% of families surveyed this year had received SNAP benefits, up from 10.6% in 2020.
Among lower-income families, more than 38% are receiving SNAP benefits, compared with about 22% six years ago.
The Agriculture Department halted its own research on food insecurity last year, saying the studies did “nothing more than fear monger.”
Key figures
Amy Breitmann, runs the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Ga.
Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (not individually named).
Sources: NPR
