New survey of neighbors facing hunger shows why sustained demand for food assistance requires a stronger response

Feeding America's 2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report finds 6 in 10 neighbors facing hunger don't feel financially stable and are relying on food banks and nutrition programs to keep food on the table

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For families facing hunger, keeping food on the table can mean delaying rent or medical bills, borrowing money or seeking help from a food bank. These are among the choices described in Feeding America's 2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report, which surveyed more than 1,200 people who have received charitable food assistance or experienced food insecurity in the past two years.

Their experiences reinforce why Feeding America is preparing for an era of elevated and sustained demand for food assistance.  Six in 10 respondents said they do not feel financially stable. At the same time, they described how important both charitable food and government nutrition programs are to their ability to afford food. The findings show what is at stake when either source of support becomes harder to access.

"Behind every measure of demand is a person trying to make a household budget work as food, rent, transportation and healthcare costs keep adding up," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "Neighbors are telling us how much food banks and nutrition programs matter, and how hard it is to plan when access to that support is uncertain. We have a responsibility to listen and act on what they are telling us. That means helping communities respond today while strengthening the programs and partnerships families will need for the long term."

The Elevating Voices: Insights Report adds neighbors' perspectives to Feeding America's assessment that this demand may be extraordinary in its duration, geographic variation and complexity. Their experiences show why responding well will take reliable nutrition programs, strong local food banks and partners working together to make food more accessible.

In the report, neighbors described making difficult tradeoffs over the last year to afford food as high costs continue to strain household budgets:

• 60% of neighbors do not feel financially stable.
  
  
• 48% delayed paying bills such as rent or medical expenses to afford groceries.
  
  
• 52% relied on credit cards, loans or borrowed money to keep food on the table.
  
  
• A survey participant from Florida shared, "I can't afford everything because prices keep going up and jobs aren't paying enough."

As financial pressures persist, neighbors are turning to food banks, nutrition programs and their communities to help make ends meet:

• 90% of people who received charitable food assistance in the past year say that support was important for helping afford food.
  
  
• 95% say their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are important for their ability to afford food.
  
  
• 55% say they are concerned about steady and reliable access to charitable food.
  
  
• A survey participant from Montana shared, "We had to start using food banks and ask the community for help."

Neighbors also expressed concern about the future of government nutrition assistance and the need for policy action to address hunger:

• 57% of surveyed SNAP households saw a reduction in benefits over the past year.
  
  
• 79% of current SNAP beneficiaries are concerned that recent SNAP changes will make it harder for them or someone in their household to keep benefits or receive them in the future
  
  
• 86% say food insecurity is a serious problem lawmakers should prioritize. 
  
  
• A survey participant from Pennsylvania shared, "I was unable to plan for emergencies when I was cut off unexpectedly [from SNAP]." 

This 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. The full report is available at FeedingAmerica.org/ElevatingVoices.

Contact
Emily James
Feeding America

About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people 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. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation's most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

SOURCE Feeding America