The latest USDA report on household food security in 2022 paints a concerning picture for the United States. With 12.8% of households experiencing food insecurity and 5.1% facing very low food security, the need for sustainable solutions is more pressing than ever. This uptick in food insecurity, especially among children, calls for urgent attention and action.
In light of our recent Thriving Communities Gathering on regenerative farming, these statistics underscore the vital role that young farmers, community farms, and urban agriculture play in addressing this crisis. Regenerative farming isn't just an agricultural approach; it's a potential solution to food insecurity, offering a sustainable way to produce healthy, accessible food while nurturing the land.
The report highlights the disparity in food spending between secure and insecure households and the reliance of many on Federal assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. This situation amplifies the importance of community-based solutions and innovative agricultural practices that can bolster local food systems and ensure access to nutritious food for all.
The growing challenge of food insecurity, as revealed by the USDA, makes it clear: the work of young farmers and the support for community and urban farms are not just necessary but essential in building a more food-secure future. Our Gathering this past October 2023 on regenerative farming highlighted these methods' promise in creating resilient, sustainable food systems to help mitigate the rising tide of food insecurity.