Virginia Food Insecurity Rates Have Risen
Over 40 percent of households across the state reported food insecurity amid rising costs.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Nutrition
Live Poll
Is it becoming easier or harder for your household to afford necessary food and groceries?
A new statewide study conducted by the Federation of Virginia Foodbanks found that 42 percent of Virginia households experienced food insecurity between May 2025 and May 2026. This data highlights significant challenges for families, with over half of those with children reporting difficulty accessing enough nutritious food.
Why it matters
The study suggests that rising costs for at-home food coupled with a decline in SNAP enrollment have created a widening gap in access to basic nutrition. Identifying these trends is critical for understanding the current nutritional landscape facing many residents across the state.
The Virginia Hunger Study surveyed 5,600 residents using USDA metrics to assess food insecurity. While the study quantified the prevalence of the issue, the impact of these findings on long-term clinical health outcomes for the affected population remains to be determined.
The players
Federation of Virginia Foodbanks
A statewide organization that manages food assistance resources and tracks nutritional access for residents.
NORC at the University of Chicago
A non-partisan research institution that conducts large-scale surveys on social and health topics.
Virginia Tech
A public land-grant university providing research support for state-level public health investigations.
The details
The survey, conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago with support from Virginia Tech researchers, measured food insecurity using standardized USDA guidelines. Households currently face a 33 percent increase in the cost of food for at-home use compared to 2019. Meanwhile, SNAP participation has dropped by 110,000 individuals since July 2025, leaving only 27 percent of food-insecure households enrolled in the program.
Timeline
2019 served as the pre-pandemic baseline for tracking rising food costs.
The Virginia Hunger Study gathered data between May 2025 and May 2026.
SNAP participation figures were impacted by the July 2025 enactment of H.R. 1.
A local statistics discussion is scheduled for September 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study updates the current understanding of nutritional access in the context of shifting federal assistance policies. It follows a pattern where changes to SNAP enrollment thresholds and economic inflation directly impact the population-level prevalence of food insecurity.
Households facing rising costs for groceries may struggle to maintain consistent access to the nutrient-dense foods recommended for chronic disease prevention. If you or your family are experiencing difficulty meeting your nutritional needs, it is worth discussing available community support with your doctor.
The takeaway
The latest data confirms that a significant portion of Virginia families are navigating increased food costs while fewer are receiving SNAP benefits. Tracking changes in your family's access to fresh, healthy food is an essential step in maintaining long-term health and disease management.
What happens next
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank will host an event on September 30, 2026, to discuss the local findings and implications of the study.
Further reading
For more information on balancing nutritional needs and food access, visit Nutrition.
Live Poll
Is it becoming easier or harder for your household to afford necessary food and groceries?
