Food Security in the U.S. USDA Charts Show One in Seven Households Struggle With Hunger
August 18, 2025
The USDA’s interactive charts on food security show that 17 million U.S. households, or 1 in 7, experienced food insecurity in 2024. This includes 6.8 million households with very low food security, where members skipped meals or ate less due to lack of money.
The Consumer Price Index for food rose 9.9% in 2024, pushing more households below the threshold of affordability. 13.8% of all U.S. households are food insecure, according to key statistics on food insecurity from the USDA.
Understanding U.S. Food Insecurity by the Numbers
44 million people lived in food-insecure households
13.5 million children were in households lacking consistent access to food
5.1% of U.S. households experienced very low food security
More than 9% of married households with children reported some level of food insecurity
Single-mother households were nearly three times as likely to be food insecure
Black and Hispanic households experienced food insecurity at nearly twice the national average
The USDA defines:
Food secure households as those with consistent access to enough food
Low food security as households with reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet
Very low food security as disrupted eating patterns or reduced intake due to insufficient resources
Why This Matters
These key statistics on food security reveal the widening gap between cost and access to basic needs in America. Rising food prices and stagnant wages mean working families are falling behind. Food security in the U.S. is no longer guaranteed, even for those with jobs.
Interactive charts show geographic disparities, with southern states and urban centers reporting the highest levels of very low food security. SNAP participation has increased, but not enough to meet demand.
How Heritage Foundation USA Responds
At Heritage Foundation USA, we study these interactive charts and food security data to direct our funding and action.
Our approach is data-driven. When the USDA releases key statistics on food insecurity, we respond by targeting the exact communities shown to be most at risk
We do not operate food banks, but we:
Fund mobile food distribution efforts
Partner with local nonprofits reaching the hardest-hit zip codes
Support emergency response programs in high-need areas
Raise national awareness using verified USDA data
Pressure lawmakers to strengthen anti-hunger policy at the federal level
