Food Insecurity—How does it Affect the U.S.?

In 2016, 12.3% of all US households (15.6 million households) experienced food insecurity sometime during the year. Of these households 7.4% ( 9.4 million households) experienced low food security and 4.9%( 6.1 million households) experienced very low food security (Hoblen & Marshall, 2019). Not only is food insecurity a significant problem in the United States, but it is also impacted by many factors such as gender, racial and ethnic groups, cultures and socioeconomic status. This problem in the United States was researched to continue finding information of how to eliminate inequalities that exist amongst diverse populations of this country, due to food insecurity. Data was found from looking at the work of various researchers in published peer reviewed articles that further explained the statistical impact that food insecurity has on individuals and families. It was concluded that those who identify with groups such as Black, Hispanic, Mexican or Puerto Rican as well who live in poverty stricken or low-income neighborhoods experience the greatest food insecurity and have the most barriers in achieving healthy food and a healthy lifestyle