ARLINGTON, Va., September 23, 2025 – ADvancing States, Meals on Wheels America, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) and USAging issued the following joint statement regarding the cancellation of USDA’s annual Household Food Security Survey:
Our organizations are deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to eliminate the long-standing Household Food Security Survey. For 30 years, the Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey has been the nation’s most trusted tool for tracking food insecurity, offering critical insights into who is going hungry and why — especially among older adults, a population already facing a largely overlooked hunger crisis. Without data to guide future efforts, there is danger that senior hunger will spiral to even more severe levels.
The food security measure was developed using input from leading experts in academia, government and the private sector. Though no measure is perfect, research suggests that, if anything, it most likely undercounts food insecurity. Still, it remains unmatched in its ability to capture severity, long-term trends and the impact of key risk factors like age, disability, geography and income. Eliminating this tool will severely limit our ability to respond effectively to hunger. For those working with older adults — the fastest-growing segment of our nation’s population with rapidly increasing food insecurity — this data supports public policy, private fundraising and targeted service delivery. Newer, less robust tools do not offer the same depth or reliability.
Food insecurity should never be a partisan issue. Without accurate, consistent data, efforts to fight hunger will falter. At a time when federal nutrition programs are facing cuts and major staff reductions, inflation is raising costs and more older adults are aging into poverty, abandoning this annual survey of food security in America is dangerous.
We are calling on USDA to reverse this decision immediately and ensure the continued collection of annual food insecurity data. Seniors cannot afford to be left out of the picture, and we must ensure we can meet the needs of those who deserve to live their later years with dignity, independence and health. We are united in saying that this crucial collection of data is our best window into the state of hunger in America and must be continued without interruption.
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ABOUT ADVANCING STATES
ADvancing States was founded in 1964 under the name National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA). In 2019, the association changed its name to ADvancing States. Today, ADvancing States represents the nation’s 56 state and territorial agencies on aging and disabilities and long-term services and supports directors. ADvancing States supports visionary leadership, the advancement of systems innovation and the articulation of national policies that support long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Through funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information or to get involved in advocacy efforts, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
ABOUT NANASP
Founded in 1977, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) is proud to be a leading organization advocating for policies and programs nourishing older adults. Our 1,000 member programs represent a wide range of essential services providers who support the nutrition, health and life quality of over 4 million older adults. For more information, go to nanasp.org.
ABOUT USAGING
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
