USDA Abandons Key Survey on Food Insecurity Amid Soaring Hunger Rates

USDA Cancels Survey Tracking Food Insecurity Amid Rising Hunger Rates The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on September 22 that it would be ending the annual Household Food Security Report, a survey that provided critical data on food insecurity among low-income Americans. The decision comes as hunger rates continue to rise across the country. The report, which was conducted annually since 1995, offered valuable insights into the struggles of millions of Americans who struggle to access adequate nutrition. According to data from the 2020 report, approximately 1 in 8 households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. The survey also highlighted disparities in food access among racial and ethnic groups, with communities of color facing higher rates of hunger. Critics argue that the cancellation of the survey will only exacerbate these issues, as policymakers rely on the data to inform their decisions on food assistance programs. "This is a devastating blow to our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity," said Sarah Willets, executive director of the Food Bank for New York City. "The data from this survey has been instrumental in shaping policy and allocating resources to address these critical issues." The decision to cancel the survey coincides with the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The new law is expected to leave an estimated 2.4 million Americans without access to food aid. Food insecurity experts warn that the cancellation of the survey will have far-reaching consequences, particularly in communities already struggling with poverty and limited access to healthy food options. "This decision sends a clear message that the administration is prioritizing ideology over evidence-based policy," said Dr. Jessica Young, a nutrition expert at the University of California, Berkeley. The USDA cited concerns about the survey's redundancy, cost, and politicization as reasons for its cancellation. However, critics argue that these concerns are unfounded and that the data collected by the survey is essential for understanding and addressing food insecurity. As hunger rates continue to rise across the country, advocates for food assistance programs are calling on policymakers to prioritize evidence-based solutions over ideological agendas. "We urge Congress to reinstate funding for the Household Food Security Report and ensure that our nation's most vulnerable populations have access to the nutrition they need," said Willets. The cancellation of the survey has sparked widespread concern among community leaders, advocates, and experts who rely on the data to inform their work. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the decision to cancel the survey will only exacerbate the growing crisis of food insecurity in America. Background: The Household Food Security Report was conducted annually since 1995. The report provided critical data on food insecurity among low-income Americans. Approximately 1 in 8 households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, according to the 2020 report. Communities of color face higher rates of hunger. Additional Perspectives: Food banks and pantries are bracing for increased demand as more people struggle to access food assistance programs. Advocates are calling on policymakers to prioritize evidence-based solutions over ideological agendas. Experts warn that the cancellation of the survey will have far-reaching consequences, particularly in communities already struggling with poverty and limited access to healthy food options. Current Status: The USDA has announced its decision to cancel the Household Food Security Report. Critics argue that the cancellation of the survey will only exacerbate hunger rates across the country. Advocates are calling on policymakers to reinstate funding for the report and ensure that our nation's most vulnerable populations have access to the nutrition they need. *Reporting by Npr.*