Food Insecurity Exceeds Pandemic Highs, Federal Reserve Survey Finds

Why it matters locally: The Federal Reserve's findings on rising food insecurity have direct implications for District of Columbia residents and local food assistance providers, as the city's social services infrastructure, coordinated through the Executive Office of the Mayor, will likely face increased demand for emergency food programs.

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Food insecurity is affecting more families now than it did during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The survey highlights a growing challenge for households in affording adequate food. Researchers collected data from a representative sample of households. Analysts then compared current food insecurity rates to those recorded during the peak of the pandemic. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released the report this week. More than 3,500 families attended a food distribution event organized by the Houston Food Bank in November, according to imagery associated with the report, highlighting the continued need for food assistance programs.