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
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.

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:

NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
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.