Understanding Hunger & Poverty
These statistics tell the story of millions of Americans facing food insecurity and poverty. Together, we can make a difference.
Americans Experience Food Insecurity
Children Are Food Insecure and face hunger
People Used Food Programs in 2022
of U.S. Counties Have Food Insecurity
Understanding Food Insecurity
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity means lacking access to a nutritious, affordable diet. The USDA defines it as when people don't know where their next meal will come from.
Very Low Food Security
A more severe form where households regularly skip meals or reduce intake due to lack of resources.
Impact on Children
Hungry children may struggle to concentrate in class, fall behind academically, miss school, and suffer from irritability, low self-esteem, or lack of energy.
Insecurity by Demographics
Racial Disparities
• White households: 9.3%
• Black households: 22.4%
• Hispanic households: 20.8%
• American Indian/Alaska Native: 23.0%
• Multiracial households: 22.7%
Geographic Impact
• Urban areas: 15.9%
• Rural areas: 15.4%
• Suburbs: 11.7%
• Highest regional rate: South (14.7%)
• State range: 7.4% (NH) to 18.9% (AR)
Asian Americans
Poverty rates vary significantly:
• Burmese: 19%
• Hmong: 17%
• Filipino: 7%
• Indian: 6%
• SNAP lifted 3.4 million people out of poverty
• School meals helped 1.2 million people
• WIC supported 203,000 people
• Over half of these beneficiaries were children
Housing and Poverty Statistics
Overall Poverty
36.8 million people (11.1%) lived in poverty in 2023. The Supplemental Poverty Measure indicates 42.8 million people (12.9%) when accounting for living costs and social programs.
Children in Poverty
1 in 7 children (13.7% or 9.9 million) lived in poverty in 2023, an increase from 1 in 8 (12.4% or 8.9 million) in 2022.
Housing Resources
• Department of Social Services
• NYC Department of Homeless Services
• SEPS Rent Supplement Program
• Pathway Home
• HUD-VASH for Veterans
• Housing Choice Voucher Program
Children
Under 18 years
Adults
18-64 years
Seniors
65+ years
About us
Everyone’s Food is a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding the hungry and uplifting the most vulnerable in our communities. We provide not only nutritious, organic meals but also a range of essential services, including free showers, haircuts, therapy, housing assistance, and employment resources.
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