Missouri Independent reported on October 1, 2025
Cancelling food security data does not cancel hunger
Nothing reminds you of the constantly changing needs of humanity quite like a tornado ripping through your community.
When the May 16 storm hit St. Louis, it devastated neighborhoods and left a lasting impact on hundreds of residents who were already at higher risk of food insecurity. Combine that with upcoming changes to SNAP benefits and grocery prices that are nearly 30% higher than five years ago, and it is irrefutable that the food security landscape in our region is shifting.
We see these shifts firsthand at Operation Food Search, where demand for hunger relief services has more than doubled in certain areas.
Our job, as an organization, is to respond to these changing needs. But adaptation requires accurate information. Without reliable data, we cannot adapt our programs in ways that are precise and impactful.
That is why the USDA’s decision to cancel its 2025 Household Food Security Report is so troubling.
