Reflecting on 20 Years of Measuring Household Food Security

USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) have played key roles in measuring household food security in the United States for 20 years. With the release of the 20th year of annual household food security statistics, it is appropriate to reflect on the contributions and impact of the household food security measure. ERS hosted a one-day conference at headquarters with former ERS and FNS staff who were instrumental in developing the measure and research program. ERS, FNS, and USDA leadership shared their thoughts on the impact of measuring and monitoring food security. Anti-hunger advocates discussed how the measure and ERS research have influenced their work, and a panel of academic researchers discussed advances in understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions to U.S. food insecurity. The conference was organized into panels to allow for more personal and informal discussions and reflections on these important Federal statistics. The conference concluded by looking ahead and asking where food security research needs to go.  

The opening session of the October 21, 2015 conference titled "Reflecting on 20 Years of Measuring Household Food Security in the United States" has been captured on video.

A panel discussion followed the opening session; the panel included former staff from ERS and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) who were instrumental in developing the food security measure, along with outside researchers who played key roles.

Sponsored by:  USDA's Economic Research Service and Food and Nutrition Service

Date:  October 21, 2015

Location:
Economic Research Service
355 E Street, SW
Patriots Plaza III, Auditorium B
Washington, DC