—2022 Hunger and Food Insecurity Survey Data Released by WhyHunger—
PLUS: 90% say ending hunger in the U.S. is a solvable problem.
New York (March 29, 2022)
WhyHunger — a leader in the movement to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world — today released results from its ‘2022 Hunger and Food Insecurity Survey,’ which examined Americans’ perceptions on hunger.
The survey found that inflation and rising costs of groceries are a persistent concern among Americans, with 47% report worrying about being able to feed themselves and their families. In addition, over one third (35%) feel they are not getting adequate nutrition because there is not enough money to regularly afford healthy and nutritious food.
Further, 90% of Americans say ending hunger in the U.S. is a solvable problem, and 69% say ending hunger in the U.S. is a political choice.
The survey comes on the heels of the announcement of funding for a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger & Health, which would explore challenges within the current food system and take a holistic (or “whole of”) governmental approach to ending hunger and combatting nutrition insecurity in America by 2030. This comes over 50 years after the first, and only, White House Conference on Food, Nutrition & Health, which resulted in more than 1,800 policy recommendations to reduce hunger and promote nutrition and health. According to the survey, nearly 85% of Americans are in support of the White House making ending hunger a top priority and convening a conference.
“We live in the wealthiest nation in the world with access to so much, yet we continue to face alarming hunger rates. For far too long the U.S. emergency food system has been unreasonably tasked to meet rising demands when we know for certain it will take a lot more than handing out food to make a lasting impact on food insecurity levels. At its core, the problem has never been lack of food, but a lack of access and a lack of social justice. Until we uphold the protections of food as a basic human right for all, this long persistent hunger narrative will continue to prevail,” said Noreen Springstead, executive director at WhyHunger.
Among the survey’s additional findings:
- The Face of Hunger: According to the survey, 49% of Americans know someone who has experienced hunger in the past year. In addition, when asked about personal experience, 17% say their household experienced food insecurity for the first time during the pandemic, 10% say their household experienced food insecurity at the same level compared to before the pandemic and 11% say their household experienced food insecurity at a heightened level compared to before the pandemic.
- Addressing Root Causes: Over half (59%) of Americans say it’s impossible to solve hunger in the U.S. without addressing the root causes – economic injustice, racism and lack of healthy access.
- A Seat at the Table: The survey found that 80% of Americans believe that individuals experiencing hunger and poverty have important perspectives and ideas that are needed to solve hunger in the U.S.
- Seeking Assistance: According to the survey, 46% of Americans say if they were to face hunger or food insecurity they would not have adequate knowledge of food assistance programs to seek help. When asked about charitable contributions, 51% of Americans say they contribute annually to hunger related charities/relief efforts.
- Reform: The survey found that only 50% of Americans feel the U.S. government has adequate systems in place to help solve hunger domestically. Additionally, 83% say the U.S. should declare food as a basic human right.
“Hunger is indeed a solvable problem. We need transformative solutions that strike at the root causes of hunger – solutions rooted in social, economic and racial justice – so that all Americans can live a dignified life. As we look at forming a historic White House Conference and making ending hunger a priority, it’s essential that the voices of individuals experiencing hunger and poverty are represented as an integral part of the decision-making process and overarching strategy. We call upon our political leaders to create and uphold legislation and reform aimed at eradicating the hunger epidemic and ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for all,” added Springstead.
METHODOLOGY
This survey was conducted online using Survey Monkey among a national sample of 1,060 adults spanning across U.S. geographic regions and income levels. The survey sample was weighted to reflect the gender distribution and the age distribution across the 18-44 and 45+ age brackets in U.S. census data.
About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger believes a world without hunger is possible. We provide critical resources to support grassroots movements and fuel community solutions rooted in social, environmental, racial and economic justice. A four-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, with highest ratings for excellence in fiscal management accountability and transparency, WhyHunger is working to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world. 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programmatic work. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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