The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's new survey doesn't just confirm what many Denver families already feel — it quantifies it. Food insecurity has climbed sharply since October 2025, with the steepest increases hitting households earning the least, those without college degrees, and parents of young children.

That's not just a data point. It means the family in the apartment next door, the coworker who quietly skips lunch, the parent buying the store-brand cereal — they're part of a broader crisis that's getting worse, not better.

Food Insecurity: Then vs. Now

June 2020 (COVID Peak)

• Lower Food Insecurity Rate Set the pre-crisis baseline
• Emergency SNAP expansions in effect
• Federal stimulus checks active
• Child tax credit boosted

2026 (Today)

• Higher Food Insecurity Rate Exceeds COVID-era levels
• SNAP emergency allotments ended
• No stimulus support
• Inflation eroding buying power

We find a remarkable increase in food insecurity, particularly among lower-educated and lower-income households and households with young children.Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 2026 Survey Authors

The anxiety isn't just about today's grocery bill. The Conference Board's April consumer confidence survey found that while Americans feel marginally okay about their current situation, they're deeply pessimistic about what comes next.

Economist Abby Hall put it plainly: 'We see a very, very clear divide. Where consumers are feeling okay about today, but are decidedly pessimistic about what is likely to happen tomorrow.' Gas prices at a four-year high — driven in part by the ongoing war with Iran — are expected to ripple through food supply chains and push costs even higher.

Who Is Most at Risk? Food Insecurity by Household Type

How Food-Secure Is Your Household?

Four quick questions. Honest answers only.

In the last month, did you ever run out of food before you had money to buy more?

• Never happened — That's good. But 1 in 10 families can't say the same — the safety net is thinner than most realize.
• Once or twice — That's a real warning sign. Even occasional food shortfalls can affect kids' development and adult health.
• Several times — You're not alone — and there's no shame in it. Colorado resources exist to help right now. See the action section below.

Did you skip or cut the size of a meal because there wasn't enough money?

• No, never — That's a sign of financial stability many households have lost this year.
• Yes, a few times — This is a textbook food insecurity indicator tracked by the USDA and the Fed. If this is happening, explore SNAP eligibility.
• Yes, regularly — Regular meal skipping is serious. Colorado SNAP can replace up to $900/month for a family of four.

Are you more pessimistic about your finances today than you were a year ago?

• More optimistic — You're bucking the national trend — the Fed survey found most consumers are more pessimistic than a year ago.
• About the same — Stability is something. But with inflation and gas prices at multi-year highs, the pressure is building.
• More pessimistic — You're in the majority. The Conference Board found Americans feel okay today but fear what comes next.

Do you know where your nearest food bank or SNAP office is?

• Yes, I've used it or could find it — Knowing your resources is half the battle. Even if you don't need it now, a neighbor might.
• I've heard of them but don't know specifics — Scroll down — we've listed Denver-area resources with addresses and phone numbers.
• No idea where to start — No worries. Denver7 has you covered — the resource guide below takes 30 seconds to use.

What makes the Fed's findings particularly troubling is the psychology behind the numbers. Families experiencing food insecurity aren't just hungry — they're becoming more pessimistic about the broader economy. The survey authors noted 'a deterioration in sentiment' among those reporting food insecurity and SNAP receipt.

That feedback loop matters. When people feel economically hopeless, they spend less, invest less, and participate less in local economies — which can deepen the very downturn they fear.

What's Driving Food Insecurity in 2026

What's True — And What's Complicated

Food insecurity today is worse than during COVID-19.

Verdict: true

The Fed Reserve Bank of New York survey explicitly found that the current share of families reporting food insecurity exceeds levels recorded in June 2020, at the height of pandemic disruptions.

Only very poor families are affected.

Verdict: mostly false

While lower-income households are hit hardest, the survey shows food insecurity spreading into moderate-income brackets. Middle-income families with children are increasingly vulnerable as inflation erodes purchasing power.

Americans feel good about the economy right now.

Verdict: mixed

The Conference Board found people feel 'marginally better' about present conditions — but far worse about the future. Economist Abby Hall described a 'very, very clear divide' between today's sentiment and tomorrow's fear.

Gas prices have nothing to do with food costs.

Verdict: false

Energy costs directly affect food supply chains — from farm equipment to refrigerated trucking to heating grocery stores. Gas at a four-year high will trickle into food prices over the coming months.

The Pessimism Index

• 1 in 10 — Families Skipping Meals
• 4-yr — Gas Price High
• 2026 — Worst Year for Food Access
• ↓ — Future Confidence

How the Fed Measured This — And Why It Matters

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York conducts regular consumer surveys to track economic sentiment and household financial health. Unlike government poverty statistics, which lag by months or years, these surveys capture near-real-time stress signals in American households.

The latest findings were published Wednesday and compared responses across three time points: June 2020 (early COVID), October 2025, and the present. The fact that current food insecurity levels surpass June 2020 — when restaurants were closed, unemployment spiked, and supply chains collapsed — is what the authors called 'remarkable.'

The survey also tracked SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) receipt, which serves as a proxy for official poverty. Even among SNAP recipients, pessimism has grown significantly — suggesting benefits aren't keeping pace with actual costs.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Check SNAP Eligibility (Takes 5 Minutes) — A family of four earning under $3,900/month may qualify for up to $975 in monthly food assistance. Colorado's application is online at colorado.gov/PEAK.
2. Find Your Nearest Food Bank — Food Bank of the Rockies serves 31 Colorado counties and has 800+ partner agencies. No paperwork required at most locations. Call 303-371-9250 or visit foodbankrockies.org.
3. Apply for WIC If You Have Young Children — Families with children under 5 or who are pregnant may qualify for WIC — which provides groceries, formula, and nutrition support regardless of immigration status.
4. Call 211 for Local Resources — Colorado's 211 helpline connects you to food, rent, and utility assistance in your ZIP code. Free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Denver-Area Food Resources

• Food Bank of the Rockies: Largest food bank in Colorado. Serves 157,000 people per month across 31 counties.
• Denver Human Services — SNAP: Apply for food assistance online or in person. Average processing time: 7–30 days.
• Colorado 211 Helpline: Call or text 211 for immediate local food resources near your ZIP code. Free and confidential.
• Metro Caring — Capitol Hill: Open to anyone regardless of income or documentation status. Fresh produce, pantry staples, and dignity-focused service.

We see a very, very clear divide. Where consumers are feeling okay about today, but are decidedly pessimistic about what is likely to happen tomorrow.Economist Abby Hall, on April 2026 consumer confidence data