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U.S. Hunger Facts

Hunger has increased significantly in the United States.

• In 2008, household food insecurity rose more than 35 percent due to the recession and increased unemployment.
• More than 49 million people -- including 16.7 million children -- live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. This represents more than one in seven households in the United States (14.6 percent).¹
• 5.7 percent of U.S. households experience hunger. Some people in these households frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for a whole day. 17.3 million people, including 1.1 million children, live in these homes.¹
• 8.9 percent of U.S. households are at risk of hunger. Members of these households have lower quality diets or must resort to seeking emergency food because they cannot always afford the food they need. 31.8 million people, including 15.6 million children, live in these homes.¹
• Research shows that preschool and school-aged children who experience severe hunger have higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety and depression, and behavior problems than children with no hunger.²
• For more information on U.S. food security, visit Bread’s briefing room or download our two-page fact sheet (PDF).

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps) has responded effectively to the rise in hunger.

People facing hunger are increasingly turning to SNAP for assistance in feeding their families.

• Participation in SNAP grew 18.7 percent from 2008 to 2009, an increase of 5.3 million people.³
• The growth in SNAP participation correlated closely with the rise in unemployment. The number of unemployed people also increased by 5.3 million from 2008 to 2009.⁴
• An average of 34 million people, nearly half of them children, received SNAP benefits each month in 2009.^{3, 5}
• An estimated 49 percent of American children will receive SNAP benefits at some point before age 20. Among African-American children, who experience higher rates of hunger and poverty, 90 percent will enroll in SNAP before age 20.⁶

Churches and charities are experiencing more requests for food from their pantries and soup kitchens.

While more food is being donated and distributed, the emergency food system is struggling to keep up with the increased need.

• A national sample of cities reported that requests for emergency food assistance increased an average of 26 percent in 2009. Unemployment, high housing costs, and low wages led the list of reasons for hunger in those cities.⁷
• Similarly, a survey of the nation’s food bank network found an average 30 percent increase in requests for food in 2009, mostly attributed to rising unemployment.⁸
• Because of increased food donations, emergency food providers were able to respond with a 20 percent increase in the pounds of food distributed in 2009. Still, 76 percent of cities reported shortages at their food pantries and kitchens, and 78 percent of food banks had to reduce the amount of food provided or limit the frequency of distribution.^{7, 8}

Sources:

¹Household Food Security in the United States, 2009. Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. November 2009.

²“Hunger: Its Impact on Children’s Health and Mental Health,” Pediatrics, Vol. 110 (No. 4), October 2002.

³Monthly program data. Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (data as of January 8, 2010).

⁴Monthly employment data. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (data as of January 8, 2010).

⁵Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2008. Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. September 2009.

⁶“Estimating the Risk of Food Stamp Use and Impoverishment During Childhood,” Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Vol. 163 (No.11). November 2009.

⁷Hunger and Homelessness Survey, U.S. Conference of Mayors. December 2009.

⁸Economic Impact Survey. Feeding America. September 2009.

Page updated: January 2010