1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to urge your support in reinstating the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Household Food Security Report. For over 30 years, this report has been the nation’s most trusted, nonpartisan tool for understanding food insecurity and evaluating federal nutrition programs. Why it matters: • 📊 Accountability & Transparency: Provides Congress with reliable, consistent data to ensure taxpayer dollars in programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals are used effectively. • 📈 Policy Impact: Tracks how food insecurity changes in response to policy. Rates fell to historic lows in 2021 with temporary supports, then rose again after those supports expired and inflation increased. • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Consequences: The most recent data showed 47.4 million Americans, including 13.8 million children, lived in food-insecure households—affecting health, workforce readiness, and community strength. • ✅ Good Governance: This report is not about expanding programs—it’s about ensuring sound decision-making, efficiency, and public trust in USDA’s stewardship. Without this report: • Policymakers lose a critical evidence-based tool. • Program effectiveness cannot be fully measured. • Gaps in service may go unaddressed. Action Requested: Please support efforts calling on USDA to reinstate the ERS Household Food Security Report. Restoring this essential tool is a matter of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and strengthening families, communities, and our nation.