Hunger Reference Desk
Authoritative context and sources for reporting on hunger
A curated reference hub for journalists, writers, educators, and communicators seeking accurate, responsibly sourced information on hunger and nutrition assistance in the United States.
Why This Reference Desk Exists
Hunger in the United States is widely misunderstood.
Not because information is unavailable, but because it is fragmented, politicized, or stripped of context.
The Hunger Reference Desk exists to support accurate, responsible public understanding by organizing trusted sources, historical record, and current analysis in one place. We include links only to specific, authoritative sources. General landing pages, search results, or non-specific references are intentionally excluded.
The Reference Desk does not create original policy analysis. It curates, preserves, and links to authoritative sources so communicators can work with confidence.
This is not original reporting.
It is infrastructure for understanding.
What You'll Find Here
Organized for how communicators actually work
Programs & Policy
SNAP, WIC, School Meals, etc.

Populations
Children, Seniors, Vets, etc.

Root Causes
Health, Wages, Stigma

Data and Geography
National, State, County, and Congressional District Data
Reporting Tools
Fact Sheets, Guidance

Experts and Interviews
Policy experts, researchers, administrators, and community-based organizations
Featured Topics
Each topic page includes history, law, data, current policy context, and primary sources.
Hunger and Health
Connections to chronic disease and healthcare
Veteran and Military Family Hunger
Risks, benefits, and eligibility context
Data and Geography
Sources include USDA ERS, Census, Congressional Budget Office, and independent policy research organizations.
Reporting and Story Sources
Fact Sheets and Explainers
Plain-language summaries grounded in evidence
Responsible Storytelling
Language, framing, and stigma guidance
Background Reading
Curated journalism, research, and policy analysis
For Communicators
If your work shapes how hunger is understood in public life, you’re welcome to stay connected to shared context, sources, and insight.
Some communicators choose to identify with a professional community engaging hunger with accuracy, dignity, and purpose.
Count Me In is a voluntary, professional opt-in. No obligation. No prescribed messaging.
No obligation. Free. Designed for communicators.
