HORSHAM, PA — New survey findings from Sara Lee® Bread and U.S. Hunger have revealed the stark realities of food insecurity in the United States, underscoring the gap between public perception and the everyday challenges many families face. The findings, shared in the report Empty Tables: The Hidden Reality of Food Insecurity, aim to raise awareness and encourage meaningful action.
Despite food insecurity impacting 13.5 million households—roughly 1 in 10 Americans—only 24% of people consider it a top issue affecting American families. The report shows widespread misconceptions about food insecurity, with nearly 3 in 10 respondents indicating they are unfamiliar with the term, and 47% believing it is rare among average families, such as dual-income households.
A particularly vulnerable group highlighted in the report is female caregivers. Many Americans underestimate the impact on this demographic, with only 37% identifying food insecurity among the top issues they face. Almost 90% of female caregivers struggling with food insecurity sacrifice their own meals to feed their families, yet this struggle remains largely unrecognized.
“Sara Lee Bread has always strived to support moms and families across the US, and this partnership with U.S. Hunger is extremely important to us,” said Nick Pitone, Senior Brand Manager of Sara Lee Bread. “This new data will help inform our future approach in how we support families facing food insecurity – and we hope it inspires meaningful action, providing a sense of love, comfort, and community.”
The report also emphasizes the public’s willingness to make a difference, with 82% of Americans expressing interest in helping to reduce food insecurity.
“More than 13 million households don’t know where their next meal is coming from, which can be especially tough around the holidays,” said Rick Whitted, President and CEO of U.S. Hunger. “Our goal is to leverage these findings to raise awareness around the struggles of food insecurity and increase opportunities for both education and action.”
The report serves as a call to action, motivating individuals and communities to bridge the gap between awareness and support, ensuring more families have food on their tables.
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