Nearly a third (32%) of Americans have experienced food insecurity at some point, according to a new report. Report on hunger issues in the United States From HelloFresh The current economic climate is making it difficult for families to put food on the table.
To determine the extent of food insecurity in the United States, a meal kit company commissioned a survey of 1,200 American adults. Most survey respondents (72%) agreed that economic conditions are exacerbating the problem, with inflation reported as the most pressing concern within the community (77% of respondents rated this concern share).
When preparing food for the household, nearly three in four (74%) survey participants emphasized the importance of low-cost, budget-friendly food products. Almost half (51%) indicated that food cost and affordability was the most commonly cited barrier to healthy eating.
Young people in the United States are particularly suffering, with respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 more likely to say they have experienced food insecurity (41%) than those aged 55 and older (21%). It was almost double. Young Americans were also nearly twice as likely to express concern about hunger because of their economic situation (43% vs. 22%).
More than half (52%) of survey participants agreed that there are not enough resources or support for people facing food insecurity. As a result, a majority (68%) want brands and organizations to take action to alleviate the problem, such as providing emergency food programs (59%) or direct donations (51%). Many people (42%) also want more support for government policies that address the root causes of food insecurity.
