WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Saturday that it will terminate the annual Household Food Security Reports, a move that has sparked controversy and debate. The USDA cited the report as “redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous,” claiming it contributes little more than fear-mongering.
What Happened
In a press release, the USDA stated that the Household Food Security Report, which has been conducted annually for over 30 years, has failed to produce meaningful insights and has been politically biased. Initially created by the Clinton administration to support the expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the report has been criticized by the Trump administration for presenting subjective, “liberal” data.
“The trends in the prevalence of food insecurity have remained virtually unchanged, despite a significant increase in SNAP spending,” the USDA stated, noting an 87% increase in SNAP spending from 2019 to 2023.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the cancellation of the report, and the decision marks another shift in the administration’s approach to government data and services.
What It Means
The cancellation of the Household Food Security Reports is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reorganize and streamline government operations. In July, the USDA also announced plans to close several buildings in Washington, D.C., as part of an agency-wide restructuring. The department plans to relocate staff to five “hub locations” across the country, including Raleigh, N.C.; Kansas City, Mo.; Indianapolis; Fort Collins, Colo.; and Salt Lake City.
While Washington, D.C. will continue to house functions for the USDA, the department expects a reduction in the number of employees based in the capital region, with no more than 2,000 employees remaining after the reorganization.
Public and Political Reactions
The cancellation of the report and the USDA’s reorganization plans have been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that the decision undermines efforts to track and address food insecurity in the U.S. and could limit transparency in how the federal government approaches hunger-related issues. Supporters of the move, however, applaud the decision as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reduce government spending and streamline operations.
Closing line
This story may be updated with more information as the situation develops and further details about the USDA’s reorganization plans become available.
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