US Food Insecurity: 10% of Americans Skip Meals, NY Fed Says

A 'remarkable increase' in food insecurity is sweeping across the United States, with 10% of households now reporting they do not have enough to eat — more than double the rate at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The findings, based on the Survey of Consumer Expectations, reveal that American households are increasingly skipping meals, draining savings, and turning to food banks as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.

The New York Fed's research, published on May 27, 2026, compares data from May/June 2020 with October 2025 and February 2026, documenting a sharp deterioration in food security across nearly every measure. The study highlights that the burden falls disproportionately on lower-income households, those with young children, and individuals with lower educational attainment.

What Is Driving the Rise in US Food Insecurity?

The surge in food insecurity is closely tied to a 'K-shaped economic recovery,' where wealthy households benefit from rising stock markets and home values while lower- and middle-income families struggle with persistent inflation. According to the USDA, 13.7% of U.S. households (18.3 million) were food insecure in 2024, up from 10.5% in 2020.

Key drivers identified by researchers include:

• Persistent inflation: The cost of essential goods — housing, food, and utilities — has risen sharply since the pandemic, consuming a larger share of household budgets for lower-income Americans.
• Tighter SNAP eligibility: The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' signed into law in July 2025 cut an estimated $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through 2034. Expanded work requirements now apply to able-bodied adults up to age 65, and parents with children aged 14 and older must also meet work mandates. Veterans, former foster youth, and unhoused individuals lost their exemptions.
• Expiration of pandemic-era aid: Enhanced unemployment benefits, expanded child tax credits, and other emergency programs that helped keep food insecurity at bay during 2020-2021 have all ended.
• Rising gasoline prices: National average gas prices hit $4.46 per gallon, further straining household budgets, especially for low-income families who spend a higher proportion of income on transportation.

Similar to the rising cost of living in Europe, American households are facing a compounding effect from multiple economic pressures.

NY Fed Survey: Key Statistics on Food Hardship

The New York Fed's Survey of Consumer Expectations provides stark comparisons between 2020 and early 2026:

'We see a remarkable increase in food insecurity, particularly among households with low incomes and people with young children,' the New York Fed researchers wrote in their Liberty Street Economics blog post. 'These households are also substantially more pessimistic about their financial future and have lower job-finding expectations.'

Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Lows

The findings help explain why consumer sentiment has plunged to levels not seen since the Great Recession. The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a record low of 44.8 in May 2026, driven by concerns over the cost of living and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Lower-income consumers and those without college degrees posted the steepest declines.

About 57% of consumers now cite high prices as the primary factor eroding their personal finances. Year-ahead inflation expectations climbed to 4.8%, while long-run expectations rose to 3.9%, signaling growing worries that inflation will persist beyond fuel prices.

Experts in US economic inequality trends note that the disconnect between strong aggregate GDP growth (4.4% in Q3 2025) and deteriorating household financial health is a hallmark of the K-shaped economy.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The New York Fed survey underscores that food insecurity is not evenly distributed. Households with young children have been hit particularly hard, with many reporting that children are skipping meals. Food banks across the country report surging demand, with some local governments shifting funds toward campus and community pantries.

Dr. Gizem Kosar, a researcher at the New York Fed and co-author of the study, noted: 'The rise in food insecurity is not just a statistical anomaly — it reflects real hardship that families are experiencing every day. The data show that these households are dipping into savings, cutting back on meals, and struggling to make ends meet.'

The situation is reminiscent of the global food crisis of 2022, though the drivers in the US are more tied to domestic policy and inflation dynamics.

Policy Implications and Outlook

The findings come as policymakers debate the future of the social safety net. The expanded SNAP work requirements that took effect in February 2026 have been criticized by anti-hunger advocates, who argue they will push more families into food insecurity rather than helping them achieve self-sufficiency.

The Congressional Research Service has noted that SNAP fraud is 'rare' and largely due to unintentional errors, contradicting the rationale for stricter eligibility. Meanwhile, the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and potential cuts to federal healthcare support could further strain household budgets.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, food insecurity is emerging as a key political issue. Advocates are calling for a restoration of pandemic-era benefits and an expansion of school meal programs. However, with fiscal austerity pressures and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the near-term outlook for food-insecure Americans remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as a household-level economic condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to lack of money or other resources. It ranges from worrying about running out of food to skipping meals or going entire days without eating.

How many Americans are food insecure in 2026?

According to the New York Fed's Survey of Consumer Expectations, 10% of U.S. households reported not having enough food in February 2026, up from 4% in June 2020. USDA data from 2024 shows 13.7% of households (18.3 million) experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, affecting 47.9 million people including 7.3 million children.

What is the K-shaped economy?

The K-shaped economy describes a recovery where different segments of the population experience divergent outcomes. Higher-income households with stock market and real estate holdings see their wealth grow (the upward branch of the K), while lower-income households face job losses, inflation, and reduced government support (the downward branch).

How have SNAP benefits changed in 2026?

Major changes took effect February 1, 2026, under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' Work requirements now apply to able-bodied adults ages 18-65 (up from 18-55), and parents with children aged 14 and older must also meet work mandates. Veterans, former foster youth up to age 24, and unhoused individuals lost their exemptions. States can only waive requirements if local unemployment reaches 10% or higher.

Why is food insecurity rising despite economic growth?

The rise is driven by a K-shaped recovery where aggregate GDP growth masks deep inequality. Persistent inflation in essentials (housing, food, utilities), tighter SNAP eligibility, the end of pandemic-era aid, and rising gas prices have disproportionately hurt lower- and middle-income households, even as high earners benefit from asset price gains.

Sources

• New York Fed Liberty Street Economics - Food Insecurity and Consumer Pessimism
• CNN - NY Fed: Food insecurity rising sharply
• CNBC - Food insecurity worsens amid K-shaped divide
• Reuters - NY Fed finds 'remarkable increase' in food insecurity
• USDA ERS - Food Security Key Statistics
• USA Today - New SNAP work requirements take effect