What Happened

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will end the Economic Research Service’s (ERS) Household Food Security Report, which has tracked national hunger and food insecurity for over 30 years.

This report has been the primary source of data on how many Americans struggle to afford food — data that informs federal programs and policy decisions.

Why It Matters

Without this annual report, there will no longer be a consistent, federal measure of hunger in the U.S.
That means:

• Policymakers and advocates won’t have accurate data on how many families are food insecure.
• It will be harder to evaluate if anti-hunger programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals are effective.

• The reality of hunger could become “hidden” — easier to ignore and harder to address.

What the Data Showed

The most recent ERS report found:

• 1 in 7 U.S. households — or 47.4 million people — were food insecure.
• That includes 13.8 million children.

These numbers are vital to understanding hunger trends and shaping solutions.

Historical Context

• The ERS Food Security Report began in the 1990s, built on research from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project (CCHIP).
• That foundational research led to national awareness of hunger and helped build programs like School Meals, SNAP, and WIC.

• For decades, the report has been a “gold standard” in measuring whether households have consistent access to enough food.

Programs at Risk

Without data, it’s harder to justify or strengthen:

• SNAP (food stamps)
  
• School Breakfast & Lunch Programs
• Summer & After-School Meals
  
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

These programs collectively feed tens of millions of children, seniors, veterans, and low-income families every year.

FRAC’s Position (Crystal FitzSimons’ Statement)

Crystal FitzSimons, president of FRAC, calls the USDA’s decision:

• “Shortsighted” and “harmful to struggling communities.”
  
• She warns it will hide the struggle of millions rather than address it.

• FRAC urges the USDA to reverse its decision and continue collecting annual data.

“Ending data collection will not end hunger — it will only make it a hidden crisis that is easier to ignore and more difficult to address.” — Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)

---

How You Can Take Action

Ending food security reporting doesn’t end hunger—it hides it. Here are concrete ways you can help ensure data on hunger remains visible and actionable:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials

Let your U.S. Senators and Representatives know that food security data is essential. Urge them to push the USDA and Congress to continue the Economic Research Service (ERS) Household Food Security Report or fund a comparable national study.

Find your elected officials at congress.gov/members.

2. Use Your Voice on Social Media

Share the message:

“Ending data collection won’t end hunger — it will only make it invisible.”
Use your platforms to spread awareness, share FRAC’s statement, and tag policymakers who can influence this decision.

Use hashtags: #EndHunger #FoodJustice #DataMatters

3. Mobilize Your Community

Host or attend local conversations about food insecurity. Partner with schools, food pantries, or local nonprofits to gather stories that show the real human impact of hunger and the importance of reliable data.

4. Support Local Research & Data Collection

Even if federal data disappears, communities can still track food insecurity.

• Partner with local colleges or food councils to collect regional data.
• Use that data to apply for grants, guide programming, and advocate for change.

5. Invest in Advocacy

Support organizations like the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and state or regional food policy councils like Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council that advocate for transparency and equity in food systems. Your donation or partnership helps keep hunger visible—and solvable.

6. Stay Informed & Stay Engaged

Sign up for updates from FRAC, Feeding America, and your local food policy council (like the Southcoast Food Policy Council) to stay informed about the latest advocacy efforts and opportunities to act.

Together, We Can Keep Hunger Visible

Data drives change. When we know where hunger exists, we can direct resources, shape policy, and strengthen our communities. Let’s make sure that progress doesn’t go dark.