January 2026
Food security levels in the United States remained mostly stable in 2024, according to the USDA’s annual report. The findings offer useful context for Missouri CACFP and SFSP operators as they plan meal service and outreach for the year ahead.
The USDA reports that 86.3 percent of U.S. households were food secure in 2024, meaning they had steady access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The remaining 13.7 percent of households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, a rate that is statistically similar to 2023. Within this group, 5.4 percent of households faced very low food security, where eating patterns were disrupted because of limited resources.
Households with children continued to face unique challenges. In 2024, 9.1 percent of households with children experienced food insecurity, and 0.9 percent experienced very low food security among children. In these households, adults reported that children were hungry or skipped meals at times because there was not enough money for food.
The report also notes differences in food spending. Food-secure households spent 11.1 percent more on food than food-insecure households of similar size and makeup. During the month before the survey, 58.9 percent of food‑insecure households participated in at least one major federal nutrition program, including SNAP, WIC, or the National School Lunch Program.
For CACFP and SFSP operators in Missouri, these findings highlight the continued importance of providing consistent access to nutritious meals for children and families. The full USDA report includes additional details on national trends, household characteristics, and program participation patterns that may support planning and program improvement efforts.
