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About 1 in 10 Americans ages 50 and older experienced food insecurity in 2024, the latest year for which data are available. While unchanged from the year before, food insecurity prevalence remained higher than before the pandemic, likely due to such factors as rising food prices. Persistently high food insecurity levels underscore the importance of strong nutrition programs, continued data collection and reporting, and broader efforts to address underlying drivers of food insecurity. See the full report for discussion of the findings and associated charts.
Key Takeaways:
- Among adults ages 50 and older, 10.4 percent (12.7 million) faced food insecurity in 2024.
- The share of adults ages 50 and older facing food insecurity increased from 9.8 percent in 2022 to 10.4 percent in 2023 and 2024.
- Food insecurity prevalence varies by state and among various demographic groups, reflecting longstanding racial and ethnic disparities.
- High food insecurity levels highlight the importance of continued data collection and reporting on food insecurity.
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Data Visualization: Food Insecurity and SNAP Enrollment Among Older Adults
In 2023, 12.6 million (or about 1 in 10) Americans ages 50 and older experienced food insecurity, meaning they had limited or uncertain access to adequate, nutritious food. Food insecurity prevalence rose in 2022 and 2023, following years of decline. Factors like high food prices and the end of pandemic-related benefits may have played a role. At the state level, food insecurity prevalence varies widely and has also changed over time.
