Evidence of Hunger and Food Insecurity in the United States

• The U.S. has entered a new era, in which a strong economy is insufficient in reducing the number of hungry American families.
• National data show persistent levels of aggregate household hunger and food insecurity that appear unresponsive to the favorable economic trends of recent years.
• Approximately one in ten households in the U.S. report food insecurity; over 30 million people live in these households, including 12.4 million children.
• Local studies have found hunger prevalence among various at-risk groups that are five to ten times the overall national levels.
• Greater numbers of families with children are being driven to private emergency food programs, which face growing numbers of unfulfilled requests.

• In a time of virtually unparalleled economic prosperity, many workers are experiencing an erosion of income and job security.
• A much greater decline in food stamp participation has occurred than is warranted by the improved economy and food stamp policy changes, as many more eligible families are not covered by the program.
• The 1996 welfare policy changes are undermining the Food Stamp Program, as many families have left welfare for low-wage jobs.
• As the food stamp caseload declines, more of the responsibility for food assistance has shifted from federal to private food programs.

• To alleviate food deprivation in the short-term, policy changes are needed to increase the accessibility of the Food Stamp Program, especially to support the efforts of working poor households.
• Over the medium-term, the Food Stamp Program needs to be reoriented to more effectively reward the self-sufficiency efforts of low-income families by protecting their dietary well-being.
• In the long run, the Food Stamp Program and private emergency food providers cannot be expected to resolve the underlying causes of hunger and food insecurity. A more overarching policy framework that includes three key elements is needed:
  
  1. Revamped social insurance system;
  2. More comprehensive income and tax programs to enable families to supplement their earnings and stabilize their financial circumstances; and
  3. Policies that promote the accumulation of household assets and ensure economic security among low-income families (similar to the policies that built the middle class).