Food insecurity in the U.S. exceeds pandemic levels, Federal Reserve survey finds
A new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released in May 2026 found that more Americans are experiencing food insecurity now than during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago. The February survey asked households whether they were skipping meals, relying on food donations, or receiving SNAP benefits. Nearly 18 percent of families reported receiving SNAP benefits this year, up from 10.6 percent in 2020. The New York Fed also found that 10 percent of families nationwide missed meals due to lack of food, while nearly 16 percent relied on food donations. Families earning less than 50,000 dollars annually experienced roughly double the food insecurity rate. Experts attribute the increase to three main factors: the end of pandemic relief programs like enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus payments; rising food prices over recent years; and increased energy costs, especially following geopolitical conflicts. The situation highlights a K-shaped economy where lower-income households face disproportionate hardship despite overall economic recovery.
Key facts
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey conducted in February 2026 found higher food insecurity levels than summer 2020
- Nearly 18% of families surveyed received SNAP benefits in 2026, up from 10.6% in 2020
- 10% of families nationwide missed meals for lack of food in February 2026
- Among families earning less than $50,000 annually, food insecurity rates were approximately twice as high as national average
- Food insecurity during pandemic was offset by government relief payments and supplemental unemployment benefits, which have since ended
- Food prices have risen rapidly in years since pandemic ended
- Globally, 318 million people face crisis-level hunger in 2026, up from approximately 266 million in 2025
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive voices emphasize the critical role of government relief programs, noting that pandemic-era aid dramatically reduced food insecurity when it was in place. They highlight that the expiration of expanded SNAP benefits, temporary unemployment supplements, and the expanded Child Tax Credit directly caused the current surge in hunger. Left-leaning analysts stress that corporate profit-taking and wage stagnation—despite some recent wage growth—have failed to keep pace with inflation, placing the burden on families rather than corporations or the wealthy.
Limits of this briefing
The search results did not reveal explicit conservative or right-leaning editorial coverage disputing the food insecurity data or offering alternative analyses. Analysis of political perspectives relies primarily on centrist news reporting, left-leaning policy organizations, and expert commentary. A complete balanced perspective would benefit from direct conservative policy responses to the Federal Reserve findings.
Sources
- NPR (via multiple public radio affiliates): More people are going hungry now than at the height of the pandemic Centre
- Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP): Food Insecurity Rises for the Second Year in a Row Left
- Center for American Progress: Fighting Hunger: How Congress Should Combat Food Insecurity Among Low-Income Americans Left
- Fortune Magazine: More Americans are going hungry now than during the pandemic, as people face a 'remarkable' rise in food insecurity Centre
- World Food Programme (UN): A global food crisis Centre