Food Insecurity Hits Highest Level Since 2014 as USDA Ends Long-Running Report

USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.

food.jpg

Market Day Report

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The final Household Food Security in the United States Report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service shows that in 2024, 86.3 percent of U.S. households were considered “food secure” for that entire year.

On the other hand, 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced some form of food insecurity throughout the year. That is the highest rate recorded since 2014.

Of the Americans experiencing some level of food insecurity, 5.4 percent of U.S. households experienced “very low food security,” defined by the USDA as “the more severe range of food insecurity where one or more household members experience reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns at times during the year because of limited money or other resources for food.”

Last year, the USDA announced it would end this study, citing “politicization.” USDA officials told RFD-TV News that they will continue to monitor food security rates using reports from other government agencies and private sources.

Related Stories
California estimates show the cost of turning seawater into freshwater could exceed what farmers earn from irrigation.
Rising milk production and lower prices are putting additional financial pressure on dairy farmers.
North American lumber prices fell 7% entering November as housing activity and seasonal demand weighed on the market. Timber values remain highly regional, with Southern pulpwood especially weak.
Laramie Sandquist says Nationwide’s program will equip and train 67 more fire departments in 2027, continuing its focus on preparing local first responders and educating agricultural communities about grain bin safety.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Golden Hour Ranch | Utah
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers and agricultural organizations will need to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advance their priorities.
Nutrien eKonomics explains how farmers can rebuild low soil potassium, maintain levels above the critical value, and plan fertilizer applications.
The planned facility is expected to process roughly 400 cattle daily and bring new jobs to the region.
Producers could see additional disaster assistance considered before year-end, but the final amount and legislative path remain unsettled.
Jessie Coffey with the Nebraska Department of Education says the initiative connects Nebraskans with the farmers and producers behind their meals through recipe development and ag education.
In the new episode of Dirt Diaries, Robyn Ottolini’s story shows the importance of embracing individuality, staying connected to your roots, and finding creative ways to build a career on your own terms.
CoBank Lead Grains and Oilseeds Economist Tanner Ehmke says domestic demand for corn and soybeans remains encouraging, while wheat export demand bears watching.
UNL’s Dr. Brian Vander Ley recommends evaluating cow body condition, closely monitoring calves for respiratory disease, treating health problems early, and maintaining biosecurity when introducing or moving animals.
Growing Mexican interest in U.S. genetics and feed technology could support additional agricultural export opportunities.
Falling farm commodity prices do not guarantee lower grocery bills when processing, labor, transportation, and retail costs remain high.
USDA confirmed its Export Sales database shows no 2025/26 or 2026/27 corn originally reported to unknown destinations that was later switched to China, eliminating one possible explanation for the discrepancy.