More people are going hungry now than at height of pandemic : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey reveals that food insecurity in the U.S. is now higher than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with 10% of families nationwide reporting missed meals due to lack of food.
- Families earning less than $50,000 annually face even greater challenges, with nearly 20% skipping meals and over 38% relying on SNAP benefits, reflecting a significant increase from previous years.
- Food banks across states like Georgia and Alabama report surging demand, with long lines and expanded facilities needed to meet growing community needs amid rising food and gas prices.
- Economists describe the situation as a "K-shaped economy," where economic growth benefits some while large segments of the population experience financial strain and insecurity.
- The end of pandemic-related government relief and rising costs have exacerbated food insecurity, with many families forced to divert funds from groceries to cover essentials like gasoline and medical expenses.