Connecticut Foodshare ready to fill the research gap left by USDA

Connecticut Foodshare President and CEO Jason Jakubowski responds

Connecticut Foodshare is deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) decision to end the Household Food Security Reports, which consistently tracked food insecurity data for 30 years in the United States. These reports provide critical insight into the scope and severity of food insecurity, helping policymakers, advocates, and food banks like ours better understand and respond to the needs of our neighbors.

While this decision is a major blow to tracking food insecurity data nationally, Connecticut Foodshare remains committed to collecting and publishing as much data as possible about the state of hunger in Connecticut. We have sent a letter to Governor Lamont and legislative leaders letting them know that we stand ready to leverage our own resources to fill this information gap for our state. Connecticut Foodshare’s Data & Impact Team works hard to collect and analyze information that’s essential to mobilizing resources and driving effective solutions. This team, led by Chief Data & Impact Officer Tyler Kleykamp (former and first Chief Data Officer for the State of Connecticut) is at the forefront of helping Connecticut Foodshare deliver an informed and equitable response to hunger in Connecticut. 

If the federal government chooses to stop measuring food insecurity data, it doesn’t mean the issue of food insecurity doesn’t exist. With continued concerns about rising food costs and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), national food insecurity data is more important than ever for a comprehensive understanding of hunger in America. 

Connecticut Foodshare will remain committed to providing clear, reliable information so that our communities, partners, and policymakers have the insight they need to make a meaningful difference in the fight against food insecurity.