Understanding food insecurity: Stats, causes, and community impact

Food insecurity is a significant issue in the United States, impacting millions of households. Based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released December 2025, 18 million U.S. households faced food insecurity representing 13% of U.S. households.

Various nutrition programs aim to mitigate the severity of food insecurity. Despite these efforts, the ongoing challenge emphasizes the need for robust public policies and support systems.

The state of food insecurity in the United States

Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It differs from hunger, which is a physical sensation of discomfort.

Levels of food insecurity range from low (reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet) to very low (disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake).

As of August 2023, over 26 million Americans struggle to afford enough food, based on the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. Food insecurity is also still closely related to other social issues in the U.S., such as poverty and racial disparities. Between 2021 and 2022, Hispanic populations saw the biggest rise in food insecurity (from 16.2% to 20.8%), compared to other demographics.

Across ethnicities, 33.1% of single mothers with children under 18 years were affected.

For many, food insecurity has significant connections to both physical and mental health issues, resulting in an estimated $77 billion in excess health care spending every year. Individuals with food insecurity are more likely to be obese, which then leads to a higher likelihood of chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Food insecurity is also regularly associated with poor mental health. Among a national sample of adults with serious mental illness, 23.9% reported low or very low food security.

Feeding America also reports extensive geographical disparities: 80% of high food insecurity counties are in Southern states. Urging for legislative action, such as the passage of a strong farm bill, is crucial to addressing this crisis.

The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has change significantly as of early 2026. Following the passing of a bill in July 2025, the program is undergoing a substantial overhaul that is having an impact on families – it’s expected that roughly 2.4 million fewer people will be able to participate in the scheme.

Understanding the full scope of food insecurity requires awareness of these statistics and the impact of broader economic factors.

The impact of low food security on communities

Low food insecurity means households have access to enough food for an active, healthy diet. When communities achieve higher levels of food security, there are notable positive impacts on various social aspects.

Health: Adequate access to nutritious food reduces risks of diet-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Improved household food security leads to better physical and mental health for families, lowering healthcare costs.

Children’s Development: When children have reliable access to nutritious meals, their physical development is supported, and they experience fewer health issues. Consistent nutrition positively affects cognitive development and educational outcomes, leading to better school performance and higher graduation rates.

Economic Stability: Higher food security contributes to economic stability within communities. Families who do not struggle with food insecurity are better able to participate in the workforce and pursue educational opportunities, fostering economic growth.

Social Services: With decreased food insecurity, there is less strain on community resources and social services. Programs such as food banks and emergency shelters see reduced demand, allowing these services to focus on other critical needs.

Community Well-Being: Long-term food security enhances community well-being and sustainability. When households don’t worry about their next meal, community members are more likely to engage in civic activities and community building.

While addressing systemic issues like poverty and racism will also require civic engagement, beyond legislative changes, efforts to volunteer at your local food bank can be an effective way to support those struggling with food insecurity now. At times when nonprofit organizations themselves are carrying an enormous burden, using resources efficiently is the key. While most organizations can easily agree on long-term goals like healthier individuals, educational success, or a robust economic development, the individual steps can be challenging, especially for volunteer managers faced with dropping engagement.

Challenges facing charities and food banks

Increased demand, rising operational costs and volunteer recruitment challenges are having a significant impact on Food banks in the United States.

Funding and Resource Limitations: Many organizations struggle with limited funding and resources. Ongoing supply chain disruptions and droughts that contribute to higher grocery prices despite falling inflation rates have further strained budgets, making it difficult to purchase and distribute enough food.

Volunteer Support: Volunteers are essential, yet there has been a notable decline in volunteer numbers. This impacts operations significantly, requiring the implementation of efficient volunteer management programs. Organizations like the Denver Rescue Mission saw a 13% decrease in annual volunteers, and even large networks haven’t returned to normal levels since the pandemic, whether that’s the Northern Illinois Food Bank or the Feeding America Network, which reported 127 of its food banks still need volunteers.

Infrastructure Needs: Food banks are compelled to expand their infrastructure to accommodate increased demand. For example, they may need additional warehouse space, vehicles, and equipment.

Rising Demand: The need for food assistance is growing, especially among rural and urban areas. The Rural Hunger Facts highlight how rural communities face unique challenges in accessing food.

Nutrition and Education Programs: Providing access to federal nutrition programs and nutrition education remains critical. These initiatives help ensure that individuals receive not only sufficient but also nutritious food.

Addressing Inequalities: Disparities in food insecurity rates among Black and Latino individuals further complicate efforts. Specific strategies are required to support these communities effectively.

Overcoming Challenges: Strategies such as diversifying funding sources, leveraging technology for operations, and fostering strong community partnerships are essential for sustainability.

By addressing these challenges with clear strategies, food banks can continue their vital work in reducing food insecurity.

Why US food banks are turning to Rosterfy to navigate industry changes

The landscape for US food banks is shifting rapidly. Demand for services remains at historic highs, while the logistics of food distribution and volunteer management have become increasingly complex. To keep pace with these changes, leading organizations are moving away from outdated manual processes and seeking “future-proof” answers through Rosterfy’s volunteer management software (VMS).

Here is why top food banks are making the switch:

1. Scaling for Massive Impact

For large-scale operations, the “old way” of managing spreadsheets and manual emails simply doesn’t scale. A prime example is the Houston Food Bank, the largest of its kind in the US. Distributing 150 million meals annually requires a massive, coordinated effort.

Houston Food Bank recently selected Rosterfy specifically to streamline their recruitment and retention. By automating the “busy work” of volunteer coordination, they can focus their resources where they matter most: ensuring no one in their community goes hungry. For organizations of this size, Rosterfy provides the digital infrastructure necessary to manage thousands of volunteers across multiple sites without breaking a sweat.

2. Enhancing the Volunteer Experience

The modern volunteer expects a frictionless, digital-first experience. If the sign-up process is difficult, potential helpers will go elsewhere. Food banks are looking to Rosterfy to provide a professional, user-friendly portal where volunteers can easily self-schedule, track their hours, and receive automated updates.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about engagement. When volunteers feel that their time is respected and the organization is well-organized, they are far more likely to return.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

In an era of tight budgets and high accountability, food banks need to prove their impact. Rosterfy allows organizations to move beyond “guestimates” of volunteer contributions. As seen in the Blessings of Hope case study, having a centralized system allows for precise data collection.

Blessings of Hope utilizes Rosterfy to manage a diverse range of volunteer roles, ensuring that the right people are in the right place at the right time. This level of data visibility helps food banks report accurately to donors, apply for grants with confidence, and optimize their daily operations for maximum efficiency.

4. Adapting to Hybrid and Specialized Roles

The nature of “food bank work” is changing. It’s no longer just about packing boxes; it involves specialized roles in logistics, data entry, and community outreach. Rosterfy’s flexible scheduling and automated workflows allow food banks to categorize volunteers by skill set, ensuring that specialized tasks are handled by the right people.

The Bottom Line

US food banks are at a crossroads. To meet the challenges of rising food insecurity and evolving volunteer expectations, they are looking for technology that offers more than just a digital calendar. They are looking for a partnership that drives efficiency and growth. By adopting Rosterfy, organizations like Houston Food Bank and Blessings of Hope are ensuring they remain resilient, organized, and ready to serve their communities for years to come.

The path to healthy households and adequate food

About Rosterfy

Rosterfy is used by non-profits, charities, sporting federations, and more to better manage their volunteer programs by improving how they can recruit, screen, train and retain volunteers.

Our market leading technology helps you create engaging experience throughout the whole lifecycle of your volunteer journey.