The USDA, in its report titled “Household Food Security in the United States in 2023” has found that almost 18 percent of households where children lived were food insecure, up from 17.3 percent in 2022 and 12.5 percent in 2021. The negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic as well as the inflation crisis on food security still stayed behind those of the Great Depression between 2008 and 2011, however.

The USDA’s report examines how inflation in food prices affected household food spending patterns in the United States between 2008 and 2021. It analyzes a variety of household characteristics—such as income levels, demographics, and regional differences—and observes how these groups adjusted their food purchases in response to changing price conditions. The study finds that inflation does not impact all households equally; low-income and certain demographic groups are more susceptible to the pressures of rising food costs, often needing to adjust their food choices or reduce overall spending to cope. The research also explores how households may respond by shifting toward lower-priced alternatives, altering their mix of grocery and restaurant spending, or changing which food categories they buy more or less frequently.

Looking at all households, 13.5 percent were classified as food insecure by the USDA most recently, defined as experiencing difficulty to meet basic food needs in the span of one year, including the inability to buy enough food, buy balanced meals or eat regular portion sizes as well as skipping meals, experiencing hunger and worry about food. In 2021, this share had been 10.2 percent.

While the share of food-insecure households rose in the U.S. in 2023, so did the share of adults living in them – from 13.5 percent to 14.3 percent. The share of U.S. children living in a food-insecure household rose as well from 18.5 percent to 19.2 percent. However, according to the USDA, it was often the adults in food-insecure households who restricted food intake, while attempting to shield children – especially younger ones – from negative effects.

Household with children number around 36 million in the U.S., around 27 percent of all households, while children themselves make up around 22 percent of U.S. residents at 72 million.

Key Takeaways:

Uneven Inflationary Impact:
Not all households face the same inflationary pressures. Lower-income households often experience greater hardship from rising food prices because a larger share of their income goes toward basic necessities.

Spending Adjustments:
Households respond to food inflation by changing their shopping habits—purchasing less expensive brands, substituting cheaper food items for pricier ones, or reducing spending in other areas to maintain their food budget.

Differences by Household Characteristics:
Variations in household composition, regional location, and demographic factors influence how inflation affects food choices. For example, certain regions may experience higher price volatility, and households with children or older adults may prioritize specific categories of foods despite price hikes.

Policy Implications:
The findings highlight that uniform policy responses to rising food costs may not serve all households effectively. Understanding which groups are most affected can inform targeted measures—such as nutrition assistance programs or consumer education efforts—to help vulnerable households maintain access to an adequate, healthful diet despite inflationary pressures.