An estimated 17 million households reported problems finding enough food in 2022 — a sharp jump from 2021 when boosted government aid helped ease the pandemic-induced economic shutdown.

A new Department of Agriculture report, released Wednesday, paints a sobering picture of post-pandemic hardship with “statistically significant” increases in food insecurity across multiple categories. Using a representative survey sample of roughly 32,000 American households the report said 12.8% (17 million households) reported occasional problems affording enough food in 2022 — up from 10.2% (13.5 million households) in 2021 and 10.5% (13.8 million households) in 2020.

Analysts and food security professionals point to the dual impact last year of high inflation and the gradual expiration of multiple pandemic-era government assistance measures.

  • andrew_bidlaw@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    An estimated 17 million households reported problems finding enough food in 2022

    They do know where the food is, but this place demands funny presidental paper-things. It’s weird they are a problem. And that the owner declines those you’ve drawn at home. Ridiculous!