Food security is a fundamental aspect of well-being, defined as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) is at the forefront of studying and measuring food security within U.S. households and communities. ERS not only provides crucial data but also offers technical support to researchers delving into the complexities of food security.
The research conducted by USDA, ERS is comprehensive, focusing on several key areas:
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Household Food Security in the U.S.: Each year, ERS releases an in-depth report detailing the state of food security in American households. These reports are vital for understanding trends and challenges. You can access the latest annual report, Household Food Security in the United States in 2023, for a detailed analysis.
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Impact of Food Security: ERS investigates how food security, or the lack thereof (food insecurity), affects the well-being of various populations, including children, adults, families, and entire communities. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems.
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Food Security and Public Policy: A significant part of ERS research explores the intricate relationship between food security and public policies, public assistance programs, and the broader economy. This research informs policy decisions and helps optimize programs designed to improve food access.
To further explore food security data, USDA, ERS offers interactive tools. Their Interactive Charts and Highlights page provides dynamic visualizations of key food security indicators.
Spotlight on Specific Food Security Research
ERS delves into specific aspects of food security through focused research reports and webinars:
Household Food Insecurity Across Diverse Groups
The report, Household Food Insecurity Across Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2016–21, expands on annual data to provide a deeper look at food insecurity among various racial and ethnic groups. Beyond the White, Black, and Hispanic populations, this study includes data on American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and multiracial individuals, offering a more nuanced understanding of disparities.
Food Security in the U.S. Military
The research comparing Food Insecurity Among the U.S. Military and Civilian Adult Populations is critical for military readiness. It examines food security within the active-duty military population compared to civilian adults. Given the association of food security with cognitive function and overall health, understanding and addressing food insecurity in the military is of paramount importance.
Resources for Further Exploration
USDA, ERS provides a wealth of resources for anyone interested in learning more about food security:
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ERS Publications: For a comprehensive collection of reports and studies, visit the ERS Publications page dedicated to food security in the United States.
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History and Background: For historical data and annual reports on household food security, the History and Background page is an invaluable resource.
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Nutrition Security Research: Explore resources related to broader nutrition security topics on the Nutrition Security Research Resources page.
Reflecting on Decades of Food Security Measurement
USDA, ERS has been a leader in food security measurement for over two decades. In 2015, they marked 20 years of statistics with a conference, “Reflecting on 20 Years of Measuring Household Food Security in the United States,” which is available to watch online. This event highlighted the significant contributions and impacts of food security measurement.
A subsequent panel discussion featured experts who were instrumental in developing food security measures, offering insights into the evolution of this critical field.
To commemorate 25 years of data collection, USDA, ERS supported further research through grants in collaboration with Tufts University and the University of Missouri, titled “25 Years of Food Security Measurement: Answered Questions and Further Research.” This program aimed to build upon past research and explore future improvements in food security measurement.
The research papers from these projects were presented at a national conference in April 2022 (recording available here) and published in a journal supplement in October 2023.
USDA, ERS continues to be a vital resource for understanding and addressing food security in the United States, providing data, research, and tools to inform policy and improve lives.
