In this report released yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture found that 14.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2010, approximately the same number as 2009. While food insecurity among households with children dropped slightly, households with children under the age of six are still most affected by food insecurity, with nearly one quarter (23.6%) of children living in households at risk for hunger.
The report also showed that the number of people in households experiencing the most severe form of food insecurity dropped for the first time since 1999. This decrease is likely caused by recent increased participation in SNAP (food stamps) and other nutrition programs. These programs are essential for protecting families from hunger in this recession.
For more information on the report, see this summary from the Food Research and Action Center.