Feeding America’s vision is an America where no one is hungry.
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America® unites the country to ensure everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems to drive immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors.
Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
Food Insecurity Affects Many, and Solutions Benefit Everyone
Every day, parents make sacrifices to feed their children. College students find ways to balance groceries and textbooks. Seniors carefully stretch their meals to make them last. Across the country, tens of millions of people navigate these challenges with strength and dignity, despite a system that isn’t working. These are challenges no one should have to face.
Everyone deserves access to nutritious, preferred food to thrive. By listening to people facing hunger and centering the communities most impacted, we can better understand the factors driving food insecurity and create meaningful, lasting solutions rooted in dignity and compassion that benefit everyone.
Food insecurity is deeper and more widespread than most people realize, and it is rising.
- Nearly 48 million individuals, including more than 14 million children experience food insecurity in the U.S.– the highest it’s been since 2014. This issue spans across all ages and demographics, affecting people in every county, parish and congressional district. It impacts children, seniors, young adults and working families of every background, location and/or disability.
Eligibility gaps leave many without support.
- More than a third of people experiencing food insecurity are unlikely to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving them without access to critical food assistance.
Many people working full-time still face hunger.
- More than half (56%) of households experiencing food insecurity have one or more people working full-time. Despite earning income to support themselves and their families, many neighbors still face challenges making ends meet because their wages do not cover the rising costs of living for all household members—including food, housing, utilities, health care, child care and more.
- Almost three quarters (71%) of people experiencing food insecurity live above the poverty line and more than half (59%) live in a household with children.
- Even people in higher education face challenges accessing the food they need. College students can be significantly impacted by food insecurity with rates ranging from 9% to over 50%, depending on the institution according to some.
Food insecurity is experienced by people from all backgrounds and demographics, but disparities exist.
- In 2024, 20.9 million white individuals (1 in 9), 13 million Latino individuals (1 in 5) and 10.5 million Black individuals (1 in 4) experience food insecurity, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. However, communities of color continue to experience food insecurity at higher rates.
- People disproportionately impacted by food insecurity include, but are not limited to, children, many communities of color, households with low incomes, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, people in certain geographies (e.g., rural areas, cities, the South), people who are formerly incarcerated and single-parent households.
- These numbers underscore that hunger affects many, and some communities face a heightened challenge.
Food banks cannot end hunger alone.
Feeding America partners with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters, acting united with unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives.
