Hunger and food insecurity across the United States have dropped measurably over the past six months, but the need remains far above pre-pandemic levels.
When sectors of the economy began to reopen in the spring, U.S. food insecurity dropped significantly. But as the pandemic drags on, the amount of food being distributed remains at 55% above pre-pandemic levels.
An Associated Press review of bulk distribution numbers from hundreds of food banks across the country revealed a clear downward trend in the amount of food handed out across the country, starting in the spring as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout took hold and closed sectors of the economy began to reopen.