Facts about poverty and hunger in America
Even in the world’s greatest food-producing nation, children and adults face poverty and hunger in every county across America.
- More than 38 million people are living in poverty in America. In 2019, most families living in poverty earn less than $25,750 per year.
- More than 37 million people struggle with hunger in the United States, including more than 11 million children.
- A household that is food insecure has limited or uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life.
- Children are more likely to face food insecurity than any other group in the United States.
- More than half (56%) of food-insecure households participated in at least one of the major federal food assistance program — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps); the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (often called WIC)
Feeding America works to lift people out of poverty
More than half of the households that the Feeding America network serves receive SNAP benefits, and nearly all Feeding America households with school-aged children receive free or reduced-priced lunch. Participation in these federal programs is just one indicator of how great the need is among the people we serve. Thankfully, there is a Feeding America network foodbank that touches every single county in the country.
Give to Feeding America today
For every dollar donated, the Feeding America network of food banks can secure and distribute at least 10 meals to people facing hunger — including those fighting through poverty.