The Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee of Prince George's County recently received a sobering presentation from the Capital Area Food Bank, highlighting the alarming state of food insecurity in the region. The 2025 hunger report revealed that nearly half of the county's residents—49%—are experiencing food insecurity, a statistic that has remained largely unchanged from the previous year.

Joseph Tang Yaw, the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Capital Area Food Bank, presented the findings, emphasizing the structural nature of food insecurity that affects households across various demographics. The report indicates that 36% of households in the broader DMV area are food insecure, with the situation worsening as over 800,000 individuals are now classified as having very low food security, meaning they are skipping meals or going days without food due to financial constraints.

The report also pointed to the significant impact of recent federal job losses on food security in the county. With an estimated 100,000 individuals affected, 41% of those who lost federal jobs are now food insecure, challenging the common perception that federal employees are uniformly well-compensated.

In addition to the food insecurity statistics, the report highlighted that 44% of Prince George's residents feel their financial situation is deteriorating, underscoring the urgent need for community support and intervention.

The committee's discussions following the presentation will likely focus on how to address these pressing issues, as the data reveals a critical need for enhanced food assistance programs and resources to support struggling families in the county. The findings serve as a call to action for local leaders to prioritize food security initiatives and ensure that residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.