Prevalence of food insecurity higher among American Indian and Alaska Native households, report reveals

American Indian and Alaska Natives experience higher rates of food insecurity compared to other races and ethnicities, a new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals.

The report analyzed food insecurity among nine different racial and ethnic groups from 2016 to 2021 using annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.

It found that American Indian and Alaska Natives households were the most likely to say they experienced food insecurity (23.3%), while Asian American households were the least likely to say that they experienced food insecurity (5.5%).

The study also measured very low food insecurity which it defined as a more severe form of food insecurity where household members experienced reduced food intake and their eating patterns were disrupted at certain times during the year due to not having enough food.

Multiracial, American Indian-White households were most likely to experience very low food insecurity (11.3%). Asian American households were the least likely to say that they experienced very low food insecurity (1.6%).

Food insecurity continues to be a growing problem in the country. A previous report by the USDA found that the percentage of American households overall experiencing food insecurity has risen and that the percentage of children suffering from food insecurity has also increased. 

Different onsite segments have come up with ways to try and tackle food insecurity at their operations. For example, many college campuses have begun offering food pantries, meal swipe donations and more to help students who may not know where the next meal is coming from.

In K-12 foodservice, the School Nutrition Association and other industry leaders have pushed for the implementation of a federal universal free meals program which would provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students no matter their family’s financial background.

Some states have enacted their own universal free school meal programs, including California, Maine, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and New Mexico.

See which states currently offer universal free meals via the map below: