Food Insecurity in the U.S. Rises Sharply Since 2020, New York Fed Report Shows

A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that food insecurity in the United States has increased compared to mid-2020, with a greater percentage of households reporting difficulty affording food, missing meals, or receiving food assistance. The findings are based on data from the Survey of Consumer Expectations.

10% of surveyed households reported not having enough food in February 2024, up from 4% in June 2020.

Key Findings

The report updates a 2020 analysis with data collected in February 2024. The survey was conducted before US-Israeli strikes in the Middle East that led to an oil supply crunch and a spike in gasoline prices.

National Averages

• Meal insecurity: 10% of surveyed households reported not having enough food in February 2024, up from 4% in June 2020.
• Food donations: 15.8% of households received food donations in 2024, compared to 10.6% in 2020.
• SNAP participation: 17.9% of surveyed households received SNAP benefits in 2024, up from 10.6% in 2020.
• Savings usage: 36.8% of respondents used savings to cover expenses in 2024, compared to 21.8% in June 2020.

Demographic Disparities

New York Fed researchers noted a "remarkable increase in food insecurity, particularly among lower-educated and lower-income households and households with young children."

• Lower-income families (earning less than $50,000/year): Nearly 20% reported skipping meals or going without food—approximately double the national average.
• SNAP among lower-income families: The rate of SNAP receipt rose from about 22% in 2020 to over 38% in 2024.

Contributing Factors

The report suggests that rising food insecurity may be associated with low consumer sentiment despite resilient economic data, as financial outcomes have become increasingly unequal—a phenomenon described as a "K-shaped" economy.

Researchers attributed the financial strain to:

• The high cost of living
• Expiration of pandemic-era aid, including expanded SNAP benefits and supplemental unemployment benefits
• Rising food prices

Regional Observations

Amy Breitmann, CEO of Golden Harvest Food Bank (Augusta, GA): Reported that at some distributions, people line up two to three miles in advance, sleeping in their cars.

Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama: Stated that unexpected expenses such as higher gas or food costs, car repairs, or medical bills reduce funds available for food.

Background Context

The U.S. Department of Agriculture halted its own research on food insecurity in 2023, stating that the studies did "nothing more than fear monger."