60% of neighbors facing hunger struggle financially, report shows

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Feeding America's 2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report reveals that 60% of neighbors facing hunger do not feel financially stable, relying on food banks and nutrition programs to keep food on the table. The report, based on a survey of over 1,200 people who have received charitable food assistance or experienced food insecurity in the past two years, highlights the financial strain on households. Sixty percent of respondents reported that they delay paying bills such as rent or medical expenses to afford groceries, while 52% rely on credit cards, loans, or borrowed money to keep food on the table.

These findings underscore the critical role of food banks and government nutrition programs in helping families make ends meet. Ninety percent of people who received charitable food assistance in the past year say that such support is important for helping afford food, and 95% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients say their benefits are crucial for their ability to afford food. However, concerns abound: 55% of survey participants are worried about steady and reliable access to charitable food, and 57% of SNAP households saw a reduction in benefits over the past year.

Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America, emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of those facing hunger.

The report also highlights the need for policy action to address hunger. Eighty-six percent of respondents say food insecurity is a serious problem that lawmakers should prioritize. Fifty-seven percent of SNAP households experienced benefit reductions over the past year, and 79% of current SNAP beneficiaries are concerned that recent changes will make it harder for them or someone in their household to keep benefits or receive them in the future.

Feeding America operates as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops, and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries, and meal programs. These organizations work together to ensure that everyone has access to food and a thriving future. The Elevating Voices: Insights Report is part of Feeding America's ongoing commitment to center the voices of people with lived experience of hunger in the fight for a hunger-free America.