An older man leans against a fence outside a soup kitchen.

A woman smiles brightly while holding a handful of fresh oranges at a vibrant food distribution.

Hunger in America

Hunger touches us all—and it holds back our families, schools and communities from reaching their full potential. The good news? Together, we can create a future where every person has the food they need to thrive. Discover how hunger affects your neighbors—and how your actions can make a real difference.

How You Can Help

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 Hunger’s Reach

 The Facts About Hunger in America

Everyone deserves healthy food to live a full, healthy life. Yet millions of hardworking families still face hunger—and when people don’t have enough to eat, it impacts their health, education and future opportunities. These numbers reveal a crisis that threatens us all, but together, we can end it.

48
Million
People

Face food insecurity—experiencing daily challenges with hunger and its health and social impacts.

Fact

1 in 5 Children1

14 million kids don’t have enough food to grow up strong.

Fact

100% of Counties1

Hunger exists everywhere – no community is untouched

Fact

50+ Million2

Over 50 million turned to food banks and pantries for help.

Understanding What Causes Hunger

It’s not because there isn’t enough food in America. Hunger is caused by the roadblocks that keep too many people from getting the nutritious food we all need to live well.

Where We Live Matters

Lack of transit, safe places, or good schools can make it harder for some families to get the food they need.

Not Enough Income

Low pay, losing a job, or having a disability can make it hard for even working families to afford enough food.

High Cost of Living

When rent, health care, heat and electric bills, and child care cost more, families often have to spend less on food.

Barriers to the Future

Discrimination impacts people differently and can create cycles of poverty and hunger that are hard to break.

Health Challenges

Health problems and few care options can lead to hunger. Without the right kind of food, health can get worse.

Who Faces Hunger?

The Feeding America network consists of the Feeding America national organization, working in coordination with food banks, food pantries, and local meal programs to distribute food and provide assistance in every single county across the United States.

Learn More

Real People, Real Stories

Meet Our Neighbors

Behind each number is a neighbor with strength and hope. See how—in kitchens, pantries and homes—people unite to end hunger.

An elderly woman at a food pantry at a hospital in Indiana

Suzette, Indiana

[The Food as Medicine program is] truly a gift. It's nutrition, it's vegetables, it's fruit, it's grains, it's balanced. You're being nourished…

Food as Medicine 3.0 Cumulative Report (Feeding America, 2026)

A family of five standing outside on a winter's day.

Kristy, Utah

Kristy, a busy working mom, finds laughter in tough times. When a pantry’s box arrives, she feels that relief let her focus on family fun.

Meet Kristy

Thomas standing in front of a university building.

Thomas, Texas

With resilience, Thomas turned food insecurity into opportunity—paving the way to his dream career in occupational therapy.

Meet Thomas

Robert and his granddaughter Alexandra pose for a picture in San Antonio.

Robert, Texas

Widower Robert keeps his wife’s morning ritual alive for six grandkids. When school’s out, summer meals fill the gap—so every hug comes after a full plate.

Meet Robert

Our Bold Mission

Ending Hunger for Everyone, Everywhere

A woman with a grocery cart in front of a wall of fresh fruit.

Adriana, California

Every person, in every community, deserves access to the food and resources they need to thrive. We’re building a future where no matter your zip code or background, you have what you need to live well. And with your help, that future is within reach.