The Problem
More than 40 million Americans sometimes go hungry, including women, children, the unemployed, the working poor, seniors, and those who are homeless. One in eight Americans experience food insecurity every year, including one in six children. Food insecure people either do not have enough to eat or they do not know where their next meal will come from.
Causes of food insecurity include poverty, unemployment or underemployment, chronic health conditions and the high cost of healthcare, natural disasters, high housing costs, and systemic racism or discrimination. Food insecurity leads to long-term physical and mental illnesses. Children are particularly affected as inadequate nutrition leads to educational issues and health conditions.
Quick Links
Hunger in America
More information about Hunger in the United States
Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) report: Hunger Statistics for 2022
USDA report: Household Food Security in the United States in 2022
Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) report: The Pandemic Disrupted a Decade-Long Decline in Food Insecurity in 2020, but Government Policy Has Been a Critical Support
Just Ask Hunger Screener
The Just Ask Screen is two simple questions healthcare providers can use to identify patients experiencing hunger or food insecurity.
To learn more about the Just Ask Hunger Screener, visit our Raise Awareness page.