Introduction – The Rising Threat
At Feed America, our mission goes beyond addressing immediate hunger — we are committed to creating lasting solutions that uplift communities and transform lives. One of the most urgent and complex challenges threatening food security today is climate change. As temperatures rise, weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, and natural disasters grow more frequent and severe, the systems we rely on to feed our nation are coming under extraordinary strain. If we are to secure a future where every American has access to the nutrition they need to thrive, we must urgently address the intersection of climate change and food insecurity.
Climate change is already having a profound impact on food production across the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, increasing temperatures, droughts, floods, and stronger storms are reducing crop yields and livestock productivity. These extreme weather events damage fields, disrupt planting and harvesting schedules, and degrade soil quality, making farming less predictable and more expensive. In coastal areas, rising sea levels are also threatening valuable agricultural land with saltwater intrusion.
The consequences ripple far beyond the farm. As agricultural output declines, food prices rise — making it even harder for vulnerable families to access affordable, nutritious food. In 2023 alone, food price inflation in the United States outpaced wages for millions of working families, further deepening the hunger crisis. When climate disasters destroy harvests or interrupt food supply chains, the immediate effects are often most acutely felt by those already struggling to put meals on the table.
The threat is not only national but global. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, global agricultural productivity growth has slowed significantly over the past decade due to climate-related factors. Without substantial adaptation measures, climate change could substantially reduce food security around the world and in the United States within our lifetimes. A future where nutritious food is abundant, accessible, and affordable for all Americans demands action today — from supporting farmers in adopting resilient practices to strengthening local food systems that can weather disruptions.
Agriculture’s Struggle to Adapt
American farmers are at the forefront of climate change’s impact, facing mounting challenges that threaten the stability of our nation’s food supply. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns are altering traditional growing seasons, while extreme weather events—such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts—are destroying crops and eroding fertile soil. As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency, these conditions make it harder for farmers to plan planting and harvesting, often leading to lower yields and increased costs.
Even as technology and innovation offer tools to help farmers adapt, including drought-resistant seeds and advanced irrigation methods, the scale and pace of climate change demand broader, systemic action. Sustainable farming practices alone cannot fully shield agriculture from the intensified storms, pests, and temperature swings that threaten food production year after year.
From Rural to Urban – The Expanding Crisis
While climate change initially impacts rural farming communities, its effects do not end there. Food insecurity is rapidly becoming an urban issue as well. Cities, which often depend on food transported from rural areas or even other countries, are increasingly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather events.
When regional crops fail due to drought or hurricanes delay shipments, urban grocery stores can experience shortages and soaring prices. For low-income urban residents already living in food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—this can deepen existing inequities. In these settings, families often turn to cheaper, processed foods when fresh produce becomes scarce or unaffordable, compounding the health risks associated with food insecurity.
Case Study – Kansas City’s Ivanhoe Neighborhood
One inspiring example of local resilience comes from Kansas City, Missouri, in the Ivanhoe neighborhood. Once plagued by abandoned properties and lack of resources, Ivanhoe residents banded together to reclaim vacant lots and transform them into community gardens and urban farms. These efforts were not just about beautifying the neighborhood—they were about survival, empowerment, and resilience in the face of a fragile food system.
The Ivanhoe neighborhood demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can address food insecurity while building climate resilience. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, the community reduced its dependence on external food systems vulnerable to climate shocks. Furthermore, urban agriculture projects like Ivanhoe’s help to mitigate climate impacts locally by promoting green space, reducing urban heat, and improving soil health. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urban agriculture is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool to strengthen local food security and community resilience.
Ivanhoe’s story serves as a blueprint for other neighborhoods across America. As the climate crisis intensifies, creating localized food systems will be critical to ensuring that vulnerable populations have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food.
Sustainable Solutions for a Changing Climate
The future of food security in America depends on our ability to adapt agricultural practices to meet the challenges posed by a warming planet. One critical strategy is diversifying crops. By growing a wider variety of plants—especially those that are more tolerant of heat, drought, or flood conditions—farmers can reduce the risk of total crop failure. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, encouraging agricultural biodiversity not only builds resilience but also improves soil health and supports ecosystems that are vital to food production.
Investing in local food systems is equally important. Local and regional food networks, such as farmers' markets, community gardens, and food hubs, shorten the supply chain, making communities less vulnerable to large-scale disruptions caused by climate change. Strong local networks can act as buffers, helping to maintain food access even when global or national systems falter.
Community-Based Approaches
Community-driven initiatives like the Ivanhoe neighborhood’s transformation show the power of local action. Urban agriculture—rooftop gardens, hydroponic farms, and revitalized vacant lots—can empower neighborhoods to take control of their food supply while simultaneously improving environmental outcomes. Green spaces in urban areas help combat the urban heat island effect, absorb carbon dioxide, and create community hubs for education and engagement.
In addition to physical projects, education and resources are key. Communities need access to training on sustainable farming techniques, climate-resilient practices, and nutrition. Partnerships with universities, agricultural extension programs, and government agencies can provide the support necessary to help communities thrive amid changing conditions.
Feed America's Commitment to Sustainable Solutions
At Feed America, we understand that fighting hunger today means preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. Building a sustainable, resilient food system that can withstand the impacts of climate change is central to our vision of a future without hunger. By supporting initiatives that strengthen local food networks, promote agricultural innovation, and empower communities to adapt, we can help create a food-secure future for every American.
As we move forward, it is clear that addressing food insecurity cannot be separated from addressing the realities of climate change. Through collaboration, education, and resilience, we can ensure that all Americans—today and generations from now—have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
