Fifty Million Americans Relied on Hunger Relief Programs in 2023 – Feeding America Report
Source: DairyNews.today
Over 50 million Americans sought help from hunger relief programs in 2023, according to new estimates from Feeding America, highlighting the ongoing struggles many face with food insecurity amid high prices and economic pressures.
The data measures individuals who accessed food assistance one or more times during the year through charitable food systems, including food banks, pantries, and other private programs. This figure includes people enrolled in federal nutrition initiatives like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who required additional support, as well as those who exceeded income thresholds for government assistance.
Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot emphasized the urgency of addressing hunger and called for bipartisan efforts to bolster support systems. “When we work together, we can ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive,” Babineaux-Fontenot said. “We must also advocate for a strong, bipartisan farm bill to strengthen the nutrition programs that complement food banks across the country.”
Rising Need Amid Economic Pressures
The estimate underscores persistent food insecurity in the U.S., with participation rates remaining significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Factors such as elevated food prices and constrained household budgets have driven more people to seek assistance.
A survey by Feeding America revealed that 90% of food banks reported either stable or rising demand for food assistance between July and August 2024, reflecting the sustained pressure on resources. Many food banks within Feeding America’s network reported challenges in meeting the growing need.
The organization stressed that systemic solutions are crucial to addressing hunger. “Strengthening policies and programs that improve access to nutritious food, uphold dignity, and create opportunities for wellbeing are essential to ending hunger,” the report noted.
Advocacy for a Strong Farm Bill
Feeding America called on Congress to pass a robust, bipartisan farm bill, which it says is critical for supporting federal nutrition programs that work in tandem with the charitable food system. These programs, Babineaux-Fontenot argued, are essential to ensuring families and individuals facing food insecurity have access to the resources they need.
“Hunger is a solvable issue,” she said. “Through collective action and effective policy, we can build a future where no one in America goes hungry.”
The report highlights the ongoing role of charitable organizations in bridging gaps left by federal programs, underscoring the importance of both immediate and long-term strategies to tackle food insecurity across the nation.
Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot emphasized the urgency of addressing hunger and called for bipartisan efforts to bolster support systems. “When we work together, we can ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive,” Babineaux-Fontenot said. “We must also advocate for a strong, bipartisan farm bill to strengthen the nutrition programs that complement food banks across the country.”
Rising Need Amid Economic Pressures
The estimate underscores persistent food insecurity in the U.S., with participation rates remaining significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Factors such as elevated food prices and constrained household budgets have driven more people to seek assistance.
A survey by Feeding America revealed that 90% of food banks reported either stable or rising demand for food assistance between July and August 2024, reflecting the sustained pressure on resources. Many food banks within Feeding America’s network reported challenges in meeting the growing need.
The organization stressed that systemic solutions are crucial to addressing hunger. “Strengthening policies and programs that improve access to nutritious food, uphold dignity, and create opportunities for wellbeing are essential to ending hunger,” the report noted.
Advocacy for a Strong Farm Bill
Feeding America called on Congress to pass a robust, bipartisan farm bill, which it says is critical for supporting federal nutrition programs that work in tandem with the charitable food system. These programs, Babineaux-Fontenot argued, are essential to ensuring families and individuals facing food insecurity have access to the resources they need.
“Hunger is a solvable issue,” she said. “Through collective action and effective policy, we can build a future where no one in America goes hungry.”
The report highlights the ongoing role of charitable organizations in bridging gaps left by federal programs, underscoring the importance of both immediate and long-term strategies to tackle food insecurity across the nation.
