The State of Food Insecurity in America

If hunger strikes in the next few minutes, what will you do? For many of us, it’s hardly a question worth deliberating. We’ll simply get up, head to the kitchen, grab a quick bite, and return to whatever we were doing. 

But in millions of households across the United States, that scenario doesn’t play out quite the same. For some, there may be a snack some days and not others. For others, whether—and what—you can eat might depend on who you are in the family. If you’re a hungry parent, for example, you might prioritize feeding your child before yourself. 

Uncertainty around food plagues almost 50 million Americans. A simple scenario that passes us by without notice leads others to unchecked hunger, feelings of guilt and shame, and nutrition deficiencies that ricochet across our healthcare system. And in far too many households, that food insecurity drives childhood hunger. But what is food insecurity, how many people does it affect, and how can we solve it?

Now that we understand what degrees of food security feel like for families across America, how many are actually experiencing these issues? 

• In the most recent available data, 18 million households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. That’s almost 14% of American households.
• In the last two recorded years, low food security households grew by one million. From 10.2 million households to 11.2 million.  
• When we consider just households with children, 17.9% experienced some level of food insecurity. That means children going hungry or children living with hungry parents. 
• That amounted to nearly 14 million children experiencing hunger.

While these numbers are staggering, they become direr when we focus on particular demographics. People of color experience higher levels of food insecurity because of food deserts, lower incomes, and other systemic barriers. Food insecurity in America also varies state by state. 

• The rates of childhood hunger for Black and Latino children are twice that of white children. 
• Florida’s food insecurity rate is 13.2%, just below the U.S. average of 13.5%. 
• However, 24% of Black Floridians and 16% of Latino Floridian households experience food insecurity.
• Food insecurity in Broward County is 22% for Black households, 15% for Latino households, and 10% for white households.
• Meanwhile, just south in Miami-Dade County, more than a quarter of Black households experience food insecurity.

These statistics on food insecurity in the US are more than numbers. They represent days filled with hunger, impossible choices, or intense shame. They represent the silent experiences of friends, neighbors, and even family. Food insecurity affects all of us, whether we’re hungry or not.

Food insecurity increases our nation’s healthcare spending because our diets influence overall health. Low-cost but high sugar and fat foods lead to higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. In Florida, food insecurity forces a person to spend $2,046 more in healthcare spending compared to a food secure neighbor. Nationwide, food insecurity adds an estimated $52.9 Billion in healthcare costs. But because food insecure households tend to be lower income and uninsured, those costs are spread across the entire healthcare system. 

The costs can be even greater for food-insecure children, derailing their development. Physically, the lack of nutritious food can stunt growth and increase the risk of anemia and asthma. Mentally, hunger makes focus all but impossible, setting a child back in their learning. Brains require 20% of our energy despite accounting for 2% of our weight. Without sufficient calories, the brain is starved of the energy it needs to absorb new information. 

Addressing food insecurity doesn’t just put food in stomachs then, it can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Even as individuals, we can support solutions to food insecurity in America. We can support and advocate for government programs, donate time or food, and support organizations on the frontlines of the fight against food insecurity.

Numerous federal government programs attempt to root out food insecurity in children and families. Advocating for the continuation or expansion of these programs can help drive down food insecurity.

• SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allots a set amount depending on family size and income to pay for food items. Families receive a card, like a debit-card to use at a variety of participating food stores.

• WIC:  Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women or caregivers to an infant child can apply for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, pending other eligibility requirements. Monthly benefits provide caregivers with scientifically backed food packages for their children.

• School Breakfast Programs: The USDA reimburses schools for every nutritious breakfast they provide for free or a reduced cost to children attending their schools. These may be served in the cafeteria, the classroom, or on-the-go. 

• School Lunch Program: Since 1946, the USDA has provided assistance to public and private nonprofit schools, feeding nutritious lunches for free or at a low cost to children every school day. 
• Summer Meals: Because child hunger in the US doesn’t take a summer break, the USDA operates SUN meals to provide free meals and snacks for children at various recreational locations in the summer. 

The federal government isn’t the only source of support for food-insecure families. Community-based organizations also play an important role in stemming the rising tide of child hunger in the US. Food Banks like Feeding South Florida operate programs like After School Meals, the Backpack Program, and School Pantries. 

There are also various churches, community centers, and businesses spread out throughout the country providing pantries of all sizes to share food with neighbors. If someone is experiencing food insecurity, they can find food pantries nearby to supplement their diet and ensure no one goes hungry. 

Across South Florida, hunger holds kids back. It prevents them from playing with friends, paying attention in class, and keeping up with assignments. It makes them sick, tired, and anxious. The thought of a single innocent child suffering this fate can be too much to bear.

But with your support, KID Inc. can provide nourishing environments where children experience joyous moments. Whether you choose to donate time, money, or resources, you will help reduce child hunger and its effects. Your support fuels our afterschool programs and summer camps where we provide education, fun, and a healthy, balanced meal. Though it may seem like a small gesture to us, these meals provide the boost kids need to grow into happy, healthy adults.