One in five households now skipping meals due to affordability crisis

Business & FinanceFood
29 May 2026 • 8:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

One in five households now skipping meals due to affordability crisis

  • A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that more Americans are experiencing food insecurity now than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago.
  • The report indicates that 10% of families are missing meals due to a lack of food, a significant rise from 4% in 2020, and that nearly 20% of lower-income households are skipping meals.
  • High gas prices, partly linked to the war with Iran, and the rising cost of living are key factors driving Americans to cut back on grocery spending.
  • Food bank operators across the country are witnessing growing demand for assistance, with some reporting long lines and people sleeping in cars at food distributions.
  • The survey also shows a substantial increase in reliance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and supports the concept of a K-shaped economy, in which lower-income households face greater financial hardship.

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