For over three decades, the USDA’s Household Food Security Report has been a cornerstone in the fight against hunger. This annual survey helped measure how many American households were struggling to afford food and gave lawmakers, researchers, and nonprofits the data they needed to shape programs like SNAP, school meals, and other nutrition assistance.
But in a move that caught many off guard, the USDA recently announced it will permanently end this report after the 2024 edition, due in October. And the timing couldn’t be more troubling.
Why Did the USDA End the Report?
The USDA claims that the survey has become too costly, redundant, and politicized to be useful. Officials argue that the questions are too subjective and that newer federal datasets already provide better information. They also say they want to focus on their core responsibilities and that this survey no longer fits within that scope.
This explanation might make sense on paper—but it’s sparking serious concern in practice.
What Critics Are Saying
This announcement comes just months after major cuts to SNAP benefits took effect. By eliminating the one national report that consistently tracked hunger year after year, the USDA is making it much harder to see how those benefit reductions are really affecting low-income families.
Many advocates fear this change is more about removing inconvenient data than improving data quality. Without the Household Food Security Report, there’s no simple way to spot national hunger trends or identify which communities are being hit hardest.
As one economist put it bluntly: “Step one, cut food stamps. Step two, stop measuring hunger. Step three, say there’s no evidence cuts made things worse.” And unfortunately, that’s exactly what this feels like to many of us.
What This Means for Families
Without this report, it’s going to be harder to track whether hunger is getting better or worse in America. Researchers will lose access to a reliable, long-term data source. Policymakers will have fewer tools to guide their decisions. And families—especially vulnerable groups like seniors, children, and people in rural communities—could become invisible in the data.
This also makes it more difficult to hold government programs accountable. If we can’t measure hunger, how can we know if anti-hunger efforts are working?
Are There Other Ways to Track Hunger?
Thankfully, organizations like Feeding America are stepping in to help fill the gap. In a recent survey, they found that more than half of respondents had run out of food in the last year. About 28% said this happened in just the last month.
The report also showed that 80% of people are buying cheaper, less nutritious food to make ends meet, while over half said they had to delay paying rent, utilities, or medical bills to afford groceries. These findings show just how serious the situation still is for many families across the country.
You can use Feeding America’s local food bank locator to find help in your area.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re worried about the impact of these changes, the best thing you can do is speak up. Contact your elected officials and let them know how benefit cuts and high grocery prices are affecting your family. The more voices they hear, the harder it is to ignore what’s happening.
It’s also important to stay connected with your community. Local support groups, food sharing networks, and online forums can be a lifeline when times are tough. Many of the best tips, resources, and program updates come directly from neighbors who are facing the same challenges.
We’ve also put together helpful guides to finding free food, meal programs, and local pantry options. Check out our free food resources to learn more.
Relief Recap
The USDA’s decision to cancel its long-running food insecurity report removes a key tool for tracking hunger in the U.S.—and it’s happening at a time when families need transparency more than ever. While other organizations are trying to fill the gap, this change could make it harder to hold programs accountable and protect the people who rely on them the most.
If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Help is still out there, and we’re here to guide you to it.
For seniors.
– What about the Food Card through Medicare ?
– United Health Care provides some money for food.
– The Dept of AG severely cut deliveries to my local food bank.
Hi there! The Medicare food card isn’t part of standard Medicare—it’s only available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, and the details vary depending on your plan and your state. Some UnitedHealthcare plans do offer a food allowance, but not all.
If you’d like help checking your current benefits or comparing plans, our sponsor Chapter offers free Medicare support. You can call them at (417) 319-2139 or visit https://askchapter.org/relief. You can read our disclaimer here: https://lirlinks.com/chapter-disclaimer/
I’m also sorry to hear about the cuts to your local food bank. Many areas are seeing reduced USDA deliveries, which has made it even harder. You can find more food resources here: https://lowincomerelief.com/free-food/