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
The coalition says the program was designed to make cover crop enrollment faster and easier for producers.
European officials say the temporary move is aimed at easing pressure on farmers as conflict in the Middle East disrupts fertilizer markets.
Canadian industry leaders argue the tax policies cited by U.S. officials are similar to exemptions already used by American growers.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News 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:

Federal officials are signaling a more aggressive push on beef packer concentration, but any direct market impact will depend on what the investigation actually finds.
Higher freight rates and potential service disruptions are key concerns for agriculture, which relies heavily on rail to move commodities.
Pseudorabies case confirmed in Iowa herd prompts heightened biosecurity measures as U.S. swine producers work to prevent spread and protect herd health.
Wyoming cowboy and Dusty Vaquero Days founder J.B. Zielke joins us to preview his upcoming event in Gillette and to highlight the festival’s celebration of cowboy culture through music and community events.
Members from across the state will gather for competitions, workshops and leadership opportunities.
DOJ and USDA investigate beef industry concentration, with Big Four packers under scrutiny and a major settlement announcement expected later this week.