10.4% of U.S. Households are Food Insecure

It’s time to get into your Southeast Regional Ag News. For the Ag Information Network, I’m Haylie Shipp.

Most U.S. households have consistent, dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living—they are food secure. However, some households experience food insecurity at times during the year, meaning their access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources. 

The USDA’s Economic Research Service on Monday released data showing the variations of food insecurity across the nation.

The estimated prevalence rates of food insecurity during 2019-21 ranged from 5.4 percent in New Hampshire on up to 15.3 percent in Mississippi. The estimated national average is 10.4 percent.

So where do we sit in the southeast? In Alabama, the prevalence of food insecurity is reported at 13.1%, so it is a bit above the average. Georgia and Florida both come in just below at 9.9%.

And as far as a fix, of course this is what a good portion of what the Farm Bill is dedicated towards. The USDA’s food and nutrition assistance programs aim to increase food security by providing low-income households access to food for a healthful diet, as well as nutrition education.