USDA Ends Annual Household Food Security Report, Citing ‘Politicization’

According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.

food.jpg

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will discontinue its long-running Household Food Security Report beginning in 2025, bringing an end to nearly three decades of federal tracking on hunger in America.

In a press release published on Saturday evening, the USDA framed the change by calling the reports “redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous” and doing “nothing more than fear monger.” The statement reflects a sharp break from the agency’s typically technical tone, underscoring how politically sensitive the issue of hunger measurement has become.

Launched in the mid-1990s, the survey has provided annual data on the prevalence of food insecurity across U.S. households.

The report’s cancellation comes at an interesting time — that is, when food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S., according to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report (PDF version) for 2022-2023.

The 2024 edition of the report, covering 2023 data, is still expected to be released later this year. However, the USDA maintains that “a bevy of more timely and accurate data sets” will fill the gap.

———

The complete statement from the USDA reads:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the termination of future Household Food Security Reports. These redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous studies do nothing more than fear monger.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Press Release, “USDA Terminates Redundant Food Insecurity Survey,” September 20, 2025
Related Stories
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.

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:

Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.