The Facts About Hunger in America

Did you know that almost 50 million people (about twice the population of Texas) in America need help – from food banks, food pantries and nonprofits like United Way – to put food on the table?

Here are a few more facts that may surprise you:

1. Every single county in America has people struggling with food insecurity. They’re struggling to get food, have a shortage of food in the house, or have less food than normal. For example, there might not be dinner every night this week because payday is next week).  
2. One in four children in the United States live with food insecurity. That's nearly 13 million children (about twice the population of Arizona). Some of these children are missing meals; others are faced with daily food uncertainty as families must choose between buying groceries or paying bills.  
3. 13.5% of all U.S. households are dealing with hunger. That includes what economists call “the working poor,” who earn about $21,500 a year for a family of four.
4. One in 4 college students (23%) say they are food insecure. But only 60% of students eligible for federal hunger programs like SNAP are getting benefits
5. 60% of households led by older Americans must choose between buying groceries or paying utility bills. Food insecurity is higher for Black, Hispanic, and Native American seniors.