Trump Administration Cancels Annual Hunger Survey, Sparks Outcry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will halt the 2025 Household Food Security Report, long regarded as the nation’s “annual hunger survey.” Citing “excessive politicization,” USDA confirmed the decision over the weekend, noting that the 2024 report will be published in October, but no data will be collected for 2025.

Since its launch in the mid-1990s, the survey has been a cornerstone for tracking food insecurity across states and demographic groups, guiding billions in food assistance funding. Experts warn its cancellation comes at a precarious time, as inflation and labor market stress are worsening household food insecurity.

According to USDA data, 13.8 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2023, the highest level in a decade. Food banks across the U.S. report surging demand following the end of pandemic relief programs and rising grocery prices.

Critics argue the move aligns with broader cuts to federal food aid. This summer, Congress passed, and Trump signed, legislation reducing SNAP funding while tightening work requirements for recipients.

“Why stop measuring it?” asked UNC professor Lindsey Smith Taillie. “The only reason not to is if you intend to cut food assistance—and prefer to pretend hunger doesn’t exist.”