Food security is a foundational element for a healthy society, ensuring that everyone, at all times, has access to sufficient food for an active and healthy life. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) plays a critical role in understanding and measuring food security within U.S. households and communities. Through rigorous research and dedicated food&service provisions like data access and technical support, USDA ERS empowers researchers and policymakers to tackle food insecurity effectively.
ERS’s food&service offerings are multifaceted, primarily focusing on:
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In-depth Analysis of U.S. Household Food Security: Each year, USDA ERS releases a comprehensive report detailing the state of food security in U.S. households. This crucial food&service provides a benchmark for understanding trends and challenges. The “Household Food Security in the United States in 2023” report is a prime example of this ongoing commitment to data-driven insights.
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Exploring the Impacts of Food Security: ERS research delves into the far-reaching effects of food security (or insecurity) on individuals and communities. This food&service examines the links between food access and the well-being of children, adults, families, and the overall health of communities.
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Policy and Economic Context: Understanding the broader context is key. ERS investigates the relationship between food security and public policies, public assistance programs, and economic conditions. This food&service helps shape effective interventions and support systems.
To further enhance accessibility to this vital information, USDA ERS has developed “Interactive Charts and Highlights“. This food&service tool allows users to visualize key food security statistics and trends, making complex data more digestible and actionable.
ERS also extends its food&service through webinars, like the recent “Webinar: Household Food Security in the United States in 2023“. These events provide direct engagement with ERS experts, such as economist Matthew P. Rabbitt, offering deeper insights into annual reports and findings.
Spotlight research areas further exemplify USDA ERS’s specialized food&service. Reports like “Household Food Insecurity Across Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2016–21” provide a granular view of food insecurity within diverse populations. Furthermore, “Comparing Food Insecurity Among the U.S. Military and Civilian Adult Populations” addresses food security in specific at-risk groups, highlighting the importance of targeted food&service and support. Monitoring food security within the military, for instance, is crucial for maintaining military readiness.
For a comprehensive overview, the “ERS Publications” page serves as a central food&service hub, offering access to all USDA ERS publications related to food security in the United States. Annual reports are also conveniently archived on the “History and Background” page, ensuring historical data is readily available.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of food and nutrition, USDA ERS also provides “Nutrition Security Research Resources“. This food&service connects users with resources spanning numerous topics vital to both food and nutrition security, promoting a holistic understanding.
USDA ERS has a long-standing commitment to advancing food security measurement and understanding. The agency marked 20 years of statistics in 2015, hosting a conference “Reflecting on 20 Years of Measuring Household Food Security in the United States” to reflect on the impact of this vital measure. This event, along with subsequent initiatives like the “25 Years of Food Security Measurement: Answered Questions and Further Research” program, demonstrates ERS’s continuous food&service improvement and dedication to evidence-based solutions. Research papers from this program were presented at a conference in 2022 (recording available here) and compiled in a journal supplement published in October 2023.
Through its diverse food&service offerings – from data and research to accessible resources and expert engagement – USDA ERS remains a cornerstone in the effort to understand, measure, and ultimately enhance food security for all Americans.
