Trump Administration Ends Food Insecurity Report Amid Major SNAP Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration announced on Saturday it will terminate the federal government’s annual report on food insecurity in the United States. Officials called the report “redundant, costly, and politicized,” claiming it has not produced useful data.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) criticized the study for failing to demonstrate any significant changes in food insecurity, despite an 87% increase in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) between 2019 and 2023. USDA plans to issue one final report on hunger in October.

This decision follows a domestic agenda package signed by President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress earlier this year, which includes significant cuts to the food stamp program. About 2.4 million fewer Americans are expected to receive benefits, and many current recipients will see their monthly assistance decrease.

According to USDA, nearly 42 million people relied on food stamps in May, with the average monthly benefit just over $188 per person. The agency reported a slight increase in food-insecure households, which rose from 12.8% in 2022 to 13.5% in 2023.

Advocates for low-income families expressed deep concerns over the termination of the report. “By canceling the survey, USDA is sending a signal that tracking and battling hunger is no longer a priority,” Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, stated.

With grocery prices on the rise, the advocacy community fears the consequences of reduced assistance. “This move is a blow to policymakers and advocates who rely on the data to improve the lives of our food insecure neighbors,” he added.