The number of people in the United States experiencing hunger is on the decline, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But too many families still struggle with food insecurity compared to the time period before the Great Recession.
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40.0 million people—were food insecure, which means that they were unsure at some point during the year how they would provide for their next meal.
Unfortunately, the overall food insecurity rate has not recovered to pre-recession levels. In 2007, 11.1 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, compared to 11.8 percent in 2017.
"We celebrate the news that the number of Americans who struggle with hunger declined again in 2017," said David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "Hunger has been declining gradually as the economy has been improving over the last seven years. Unfortunately, millions of families, especially single parent and African American and Hispanic families, are still struggling to put food on the table."
The food insecurity rate for households with children was unchanged from 2016 and continued to be significantly higher at 15.7 percent than for households without children at 10.1 percent.
Overall, 12.5 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2017.
Food insecurity has real-life consequences for children. Children who are hungry and at risk of hunger are more likely to struggle in school and have an increased risk for illnesses and weakened immune systems.
The data found that food insecurity rates also remain disturbingly high for African American and Latino households, nearly double that of the national rate and even higher when compared to white households.
In 2017, approximately 1 in 5 African-American households (21.8 percent) and 1 in 6 Latino households (18.0 percent), was food insecure, compared to fewer than 1 in 11 white households (8.8 percent). While we anticipate that food insecurity levels are equally as high among Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, food insecurity data has not been released on these groups.
Where you live in the U.S. determined your level of food insecurity. The highest rates of food insecurity remained in the South (13.4 percent), followed by the Midwest (11.7 percent), the West (10.7 percent) and the Northeast (9.9 percent).
Food insecurity was highest in cities (13.8 percent), followed by rural areas (13.3 percent), and was lower in the suburbs (9.4 percent).
Ending hunger is feasible. However, the current rate of progress is not sufficient to meet the goal by 2030. It will require more accelerated progress, strong political commitment, and a comprehensive approach that addresses hunger’s root causes.
This story was written by Christine Melendez Ashley, interim director of government relations at Bread for the World, and Marlysa D. Gamblin, domestic advisor for policy and programs, specific populations at Bread for the World Institute.
Đăng nhận xét