Since April 2020, we have been using the RAPID Survey Project to ask families with young children about their ability to meet basic needs. In mid-2022, we saw a rise in the number of parents reporting at least one material hardship. RAPID measures material hardship by asking parents if they are experiencing difficulty paying for basic needs, such as food, housing, utilities, child care, healthcare, and wellness activities.

In late 2021, we reported on the significant number of households with young children that were experiencing hunger. In this fact sheet we update those findings and add to them data about hunger among child care providers.

In this fact sheet, we revisit the topic of food insecurity with updated information and look at whether and how families’ experiences with hunger have changed since December 2020.

American Families are struggling to afford food and being forced to decide which basic needs they can afford and which they will go without this holiday season.