DES MOINES, Iowa (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced its decision to end the Household Food Security Report during Hunger Action Month. A leader from the Food Bank of Iowa calls it another setback as they struggle to meet growing demand.
“It’s very troubling -- suddenly shelve a report that’s been trusted for three decades across multiple administrations,” said Annette Hacker, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer for the Food Bank of Iowa. “ It’s just…it’s disappointing, it’s troubling, and really it’s hard to understand. It, all of a sudden, says that tracking and fighting hunger is not a priority, apparently at the federal level.”
Regarding the reason for ending the annual report, the USDA cited the Household Food Security Report as “redundant” and “costly.” USDA officials also noted that the report was “politicized” as a means to justify significant increases in SNAP eligibility.
Hacker said the group will now consult Feeding America’s annual “Map the Meal Gap” report for its tracking, which comprises data collected by the group of 200 food banks located across the U.S.
Falling commodity prices and rising costs continue to squeeze farm margins. Kip Jacobs with The Mosaic Company addresses fertilizer market pressures, nutrient use efficiency, and strategies growers can consider to protect their fertilizer investment this season.
March 03, 2026 05:00 AM
·
Weather Swings Shape Early Season Farm Conditions Nationwide
March 02, 2026 02:54 PM
·
Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
March 02, 2026 02:25 PM
·
Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
March 02, 2026 02:23 PM
·
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
March 02, 2026 02:22 PM
·
Dry conditions may tighten hay supplies before summer growth. John Mays of Central Life Sciences joined us to discuss the risks of extended grain storage, how quality can be affected over time, and what growers can do to protect their grain while waiting for market opportunities.
March 02, 2026 02:21 PM
·
