The percentage of Americans experiencing food insecurity is higher than during the pandemic.

In the United States, food insecurity is worsening, with the number of people experiencing food shortages exceeding that of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago.

Volunteers prepare produce to distribute to the poor at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in California. Photo: Getty Images

In a recent survey, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (New Fed) found a significant increase in the percentage of households that will have to use their savings to cover expenses or struggle to ensure sufficient food supplies between October 2025 and February 2026.

The survey also revealed that more and more people are going without food due to rising food prices and relying on subsidies from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite stricter eligibility criteria, the percentage of households accessing SNAP's food assistance program has risen to 18% – up from 10.6% in 2020.

Previously, a nationwide survey by the New Fed in February indicated that 10% of families had to skip meals due to food shortages and nearly 16% relied on donated food. Among families earning less than $50,000 a year, the rate of food insecurity was twice as high, with nearly 20% forced to skip meals or go hungry. For comparison, in 2020, only 4% of households reported skipping meals.

This food insecurity is particularly prevalent among households with young children and low levels of education and income. This trend is accompanied by increasing pessimism about financial situations and a sharp decline in job prospects.

The New Fed report is a compilation of the latest findings in a series of detailed reports on the “K-shaped” economy , defined by the growing inequality in how the rich and poor spend, earn, and accumulate wealth.

Experts say that much of America's current economic strength is based on the purchasing power of the affluent class. The upper class benefits from rising asset values ​​linked to a booming stock market, a stable job market, and a refinancing boom. Conversely, those at the lower end of the K-scale experience greater financial stress due to rising living costs, post-pandemic inflation, and more than five years of faster-than-normal price increases as key forms of government support are scaled back.

MAI QUYEN (According to Reuters, NPR)

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ty-le-nguoi-my-bi-thieu-thuc-pham-cao-hon-hoi-dai-dich-a205748.html