New York Fed Survey Finds Higher U.S. Food Insecurity Than in 2020

U.S. families reported missing meals because they lacked food. Nearly 16 percent said they relied on food donations. Both rates exceed those recorded in the summer of 2020. The New York Fed has asked Americans periodically whether they skip meals, use food banks, or receive federal assistance to purchase groceries.

In 2020, 4 percent of households reported missing meals. Among families earning less than $50,000 a year, the current rate of meal skipping reached nearly 20 percent, compared with less than 7 percent six years ago.

Breitmann, who directs the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia, said some distributions draw lines two to three miles long the night before. Recipients sleep in their cars while waiting, she stated. 6 percent in 2020. The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is moving into a larger facility to handle increased demand across 12 counties.

Nicole Williams, the bank's chief executive, said rising costs for gasoline, food, car repairs, or medical bills reduce money available for groceries.

Federal pandemic-era relief payments and expanded unemployment benefits ended after 2020. Food prices have increased since that period. U.S. conflict with Iran. The Agriculture Department stopped its own food-insecurity research last year, stating the studies amounted to fear mongering.

The New York Fed economists noted that while overall economic activity has expanded, large segments of the population continue to face financial strain.