2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report
Our neighbors facing hunger tell us what they’re experiencing—and how we can take action.
Economic pressures and rapidly changing government nutrition programs continue to make it challenging for too many families to consistently afford nutritious groceries. In Feeding America’s latest Insights Report, neighbors facing hunger share the realities they experience day to day, along with their perspectives on how we all—from food bank leaders to community partners to policymakers—can unite to create meaningful change.
On-the-Ground Realities
What We Heard From Neighbors
Feeding America works alongside our neighbors to build a future where everyone has reliable access to nutritious food. In our 2026 Insights Report, neighbors tell us reaching that future will require strong and accountable government programs, a resilient charitable food system, and solutions that reflect the economic realities families face.
Economic Pressures Continue to Make It Harder for Neighbors to Thrive
- Communities are experiencing economic insecurity as an entrenched, longstanding reality with no near-term reprieve—especially as neighbors navigate present and predict future financial uncertainty.
- 81% of neighbors say people in their community are dealing with long-term financial stress, not just temporary hardship.
Ongoing Challenges Are Taking a Toll on Neighbors’ Health
- Neighbors’ ability to secure better health outcomes through nutritious meals remains strained by heightened food costs and significant changes to government nutrition programs.
- 68% of neighbors say they want to eat healthier but cannot afford to right now.
Neighbors Are Turning to Food Banks and Each Other Amid Uncertainty
- To make ends meet amid limited economic opportunity and an evolving government nutrition program landscape, neighbors turn to community members for immediate help while receiving supplemental support from the charitable food system.
- 79% of neighbors say that food banks and pantries are becoming more important for many families in their community.
Financial Stability and Government Food Program Predictability Are Top-of-Mind for Neighbors
- Neighbors emphasize that building security in all areas of life requires strengthening economic security for all households.
- More money left over after paying bills (60%) and better jobs that pay well and offer benefits (27%) were ranked among the top three supports neighbors say they need to achieve the kind of life they want.
Stories Nourishing Change
Neighbors in Their Own Words
For the 2026 Insights Report, Feeding America heard from 1,200 neighbors—hundreds of parents, seniors, veterans and other people from across the country—representing a range of backgrounds and lived experiences. Our neighbors’ stories point the way toward creating a stronger, healthier and more resilient nation.
Heather's Story
“I can’t afford everything because prices keep going up and jobs aren’t paying enough.” —2026 Survey Participant (Florida)
Heather's Story
“Los altos precios de los alimentos no me permiten consumir con regularidad los alimentos que necesita mi cuerpo para mejorar mi salud.” (“High food prices prevent me from regularly consuming the foods my body needs to improve my health.”) —2026 Survey Participant (Puerto Rico)
Heather's Story
“High food prices are forcing us to budget much more strictly and cut back on extra family activities just to cover our basic grocery bill each week.” —2026 Survey Participant (California)