Credible Data Sources on Food Insecurity

In our modern digital world, information travels faster than ever. Being thoughtful about where we get our information is crucial. You can do your part to stay informed and communicate important information responsibly by sharing content from credible sources. Thinking critically about sources will help counter misinformation and disinformation. Here are just a few data sources that are well-trusted:

USDA Household Food Security Report

Published annually, typically in September or October on data from the previous calendar year. National data.

USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) plays a leading role in research on food security and food security measurement in U.S. households and communities. USDA, ERS provides data access and technical support to social science scholars to facilitate their research on food security. USDA, ERS research focuses on: 1) Food security in U.S. households, 2) food security’s effect on the well-being of children, adults, families, and communities, and 3) food security’s relationship to public policies, public assistance programs, and the economy.

Additional information on food assistance

WAFOOD Surveys

Published annually, often in spring, though dates may vary. Washington-specific data.

The Washington State Food Security Surveys (WAFOOD) first launched as an effort to track impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, economic well-being, and food needs of Washingtonians.  As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, WAFOOD survey waves continued to track the economic well-being, food access, and food needs of Washingtonians in response to swift federal expansion and modification of federal, state, and local food assistance programs and efforts. As pandemic-era economic relief ended in 2023 and as food prices continue to increase, WAFOOD surveys continue to track these evolving changes on the food access, food consumption, food expenditures, and food assistance needs of Washingtonians.

NOTE: The WAFOOD surveys intentionally oversample households with lower incomes and those using food assistance, to provide deeper insights on food insecurity and food assistance use throughout the state.

Food Research and Action Center

National research and advocacy organization. They have a collection of interactive data tools, research briefs, and other resources.

FRAC improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

National research, comms, and advocacy organization. Publish analysis of multiple topics, including food insecurity and other issues related to poverty.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates and affect policy, both nationally and in states. They work closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. They promote federal and state policies that will build a stronger, more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. We also show the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.