USDA cancels food security report that anti-hunger advocates say showed the effects of food policies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has canceled a report that hunger-fighting organizations say was “essential” data to see the results of federal and local policies aimed at ending hunger.

USDA, in a news release about the decision said the reports were “redundant, costly, politicized” and did “nothing more than fear monger.”

Paige Chickering, vice chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, said agencies like hers, along with researchers and even politicians, used the now-canceled report to analyze the impact of certain policies on food insecurity. Chickering said the announced cancellation of the report coincides with the “largest cut” to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“That can’t just be coincidence,” Chickering said. “That seems very intentional, because it is very likely that the cuts will make it harder for Americans, and Iowans, to access their grocery benefits, and we will very likely see that in the data about food security – except now we won’t, because it’s no longer being collected.”

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/24/repub/usda-cancels-food-security-report-that-anti-hunger-advocates-say-showed-the-effects-of-food-policies/