New York Fed Survey Finds U.S. Hunger Worse Than In 2020 Pandemic
The New York Fed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, released February survey data showing U.S. food insecurity is at its highest level in six years, surpassing the pandemic peak of 2020.[1]
In the February survey, 10% of families said they missed meals because they lacked food and nearly 16% said they relied on food donations.[1] Nearly 18% of families reported receiving SNAP benefits in 2026, up from 10.6% in 2020, with SNAP use above 38% among lower-income households.[1]
In summer 2020, about 4% of households and fewer than 7% of households earning under $50,000 reported missing meals, a much lower rate than the February 2026 figures.[1]
The survey covered families' experiences in February 2026 and presents the most recent nationwide snapshot of hunger and benefit use the New York Fed has published.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the New York Fed released February survey data showing U.S. food insecurity at its highest level in six years.
- Nationwide, 10% of families reported missing meals for lack of food and nearly 16% relied on food donations in the February 2026 survey.
- Nearly 18% of families reported receiving SNAP benefits in 2026, up from 10.6% in 2020, with SNAP use above 38% among lower-income households.
- Food insecurity in 2026 exceeds levels reported in summer 2020, when about 4% of households and less than 7% of sub-$50,000 households said they missed meals.
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