Food access increased for children in 2021, but decreased for adults living alone

Jefferson County School District Food Service Department staff arrange some of the hundreds of free lunches that was given to students on March 3, 2021 in Fayette, Miss. As one of the most food insecure counties in the United States, many families and their children come to depend on the free meals as their only means of daily sustenance. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP)

Children had more access to food in 2021 compared to the previous year. But for other population groups, such as the elderly and women living alone, food insecurity was on the rise, according to the Agriculture Department.

The rate of food insecurity was 6.2% for households with children in 2021, a decrease from 7.9% in 2020. The national average is 10.2%.

The Department of Agriculture defines being food insecure as having had "difficulty at some time during the year providing enough food for all their members because of a lack of resources."

Rates of food insecurity increased for households with no children, especially for women and senior citizens who live alone.

Rates declined for households with children under age 18, married couples with children, households with single mothers, and households in the South.

The average American spent $62.50 per person every week on food.