UPDATE: The USDA just made it harder to end hunger in America.

We’d hoped to close out Hunger Action Month by focusing on some of the great things communities and advocates are doing to end hunger in America.

But instead, we’re ending the month on a frightening note: sharing details about the latest blow to food accessibility, another irresponsible and unwarranted threat to the health and well-being of Americans.

Projects like Hunger Action Month help spread the word about the impact of dangerous decisions like this one, and how everyday people can make a difference.

But this fight lasts all year. Are you in?
During these last few days of Hunger Action Month, consider donating to help us protect food access, support struggling families, and empower the anti-hunger movement in America.

Watch an update from our CEO, Joel Berg, on the USDA ending the collection of data on U.S. food insecurity:

Last week included some truly outrageous headlines about hunger in America, and what our government is refusing to do about it.

First, last weekend, the American public learned in an exclusive from The Wall Street Journal that after slashing food aid and cutting jobs, the Trump Administration is now terminating annual hunger reports, a practice that dates back to the 90s.

Hours later, the USDA posted its own press release on the decision during frenzied press coverage of the cancellation.

Days after that, USDA staff who were aware of the cancellation (and therefore had enough information to potentially leak it to the press) have been put on administrative leave. Leave that is paid for by U.S. taxpayers.

You must have data to fight hunger.

The USDA plans to issue one last report this fall, containing data from 2024. This final report will indicate the state of U.S. hunger in that year under then-President Biden, but the USDA will not collect or release any subsequent data on food hardship in American households under President Trump.

And all this is happening just weeks after H.R.1, “the big” budget bill, cut a record $286 billion from food assistance for struggling Americans.

Our Response?

Doubling Down on Data Collection:

We’ve independently collected data and conducted original research into hunger in America for years — we know the importance of accurate, reliable information.

See our 2024 Hunger Survey Report and original research on the impact of programs like Summer EBT and Increased Food and Cash Aid.

Spreading the Word:

We refuse to stay silent when policy decisions are made that risk the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable Americans. While issuing our own press release on this dangerous decision, we’ve been connecting with policymakers and advocates across the country.

Read our press release on the USDA decision to end the report.

Coalition Building:

We’re continuing to work with people, organizations, nonprofits, and public officials to build support for the anti-hunger movement in America. In light of this USDA decision, we’re reaching out urgently to coordinate how we can support one another in protecting vulnerable Americans.

And this was all in just one week.

In just a few days, the fight to end hunger has shifted. We’re not going anywhere, and we’d love for you to join us:

• Donate - support us in the fight

• Volunteer - join a project in person or online

• Advocate - speak out about the U.S. hunger crisis

Stay informed with our emails and forward this message to advocates in your community so they can subscribe to Hunger Free America.

Right now, advocates are making heroic efforts to keep people fed across the country. But this work takes resources.

You can help us keep doing this work to end hunger by making a secure donation through the link below.

If you’re looking for support getting food on the table, visit our site with resources for individuals and families.