What Is Hunger in America?How Heritage Foundation USA Is Fighting Food Insecurity
May 09, 2025
Hunger in America affects over 44 million people each year.
Families are being forced to choose between utility bills vs. groceries.
Food insecurity now impacts children, seniors, college students, and full-time workers.
Who Faces Hunger in the U.S. Today?
Hunger does not affect only the unemployed.
Key groups experiencing food insecurity include:
Children – 1 in 5 lack consistent access to meals
Seniors – Many skip food to pay for medication or housing
College students – More than 30% report skipping meals to stay enrolled
Working poor – Families with full-time jobs still rely on food banks and pantries
These households often run out of money before the end of the month.
Food is the first expense cut.
Several economic pressures are driving the increase in food insecurity:
Inflation is raising the cost of food, gas, rent, and medical care
SNAP participation does not always cover monthly needs
Many food assistance programs are underfunded or overwhelmed
Local food sources are strained by supply chain issues and rising demand
The result: more families are turning to charitable food assistance.
How Heritage Foundation USA Is Fighting Hunger in America
Heritage Foundation USA is a nonprofit fighting hunger through:
Direct support to food banks and pantries
Grocery delivery for seniors and homebound households
School-based meal programs and student pantry support
Targeted outreach to working families and SNAP-ineligible households
We focus on immediate relief and long-term solutions.
How You Can Help Fight Food Insecurity
You can support someone facing hunger in America today.
Your donation helps provide:
Fresh produce and shelf-stable groceries
School lunches and weekend meal kits
Emergency food assistance for households in crisis
Food insecurity is rising.
You can help deliver food to those who need it most!
