In September 2025, the US Department of Agriculture announced it was discontinuing collection of household food security data in the Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey.
Across the US, state and local service providers, community organizations, researchers, and policymakers have relied on this valuable data, particularly state-level estimates, to assess their community's needs, accurately plan government and charitable responses, and target grantmaking. Without these data, leaders may consider methods that are less rigorous and lack the strong evidence-base of the food security module. As a result, the quality of data insights and the validity of the broader concept of food security in the US may be undermined.
The Food Security Data Collaborative works to ensure researchers and practitioners alike have access to the validated food security measurement tools needed to accurately monitor food security. We serve as a knowledge hub and trusted advisor, convening researchers, practitioners, service providers, and other stakeholders working to advance food security measurement during the current pause in federal data collection.
Get involved
Subscribe to our newsletter to join the collaborative. We'll share information about our upcoming meetings, workgroups, new research, and other resources on food security measurement.
Hosted by the Urban Institute, the Food Security Data Collaborative is guided by a steering committee of external experts in food insecurity measurement.
Senior Fellow , Income and Benefits Policy Center
Senior Research Associate , Income and Benefits Policy Center
Professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University , and Non-resident fellow at the Urban Institute
Senior Fellow at the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy , and Former Chief of the Food Assistance Branch at the USDA Economic Research Service
Gatton Endowed Chair in Microeconomics and Director of the Center for Poverty Research at the University of Kentucky
Professor of Human Ecology, Faculty Affiliate in the School of Social Work, and State Specialist with the Division of Extension at University of Wisconsin–Madison
Associate Professor at the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, University of Missouri
We’re here to help
We can provide technical assistance and consultation to help you understand your options for measuring food security in your area—whether that means harnessing existing datasets or collecting food security data using best practices.
This project is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Walmart Foundation. We are grateful to them and to all our funders, who make it possible for Urban to advance its mission. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Funders do not determine research findings or the insights and recommendations of our experts. More information on our funding principles is available here. Read our terms of service here.
