Overview

• About 47 million Americans experienced food insecurity in 2023, up from 12.8% in 2022.
• Households with children and minority communities were disproportionately affected.
• States like Arizona, Texas, and Mississippi reported the highest levels of food insecurity.
• Experts urge policymakers to reinstate and expand anti-hunger programs like SNAP and free school meals.
• Economic disparities and the expiration of pandemic-era benefits are key factors behind the rise.