A new report issued this week by The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found alarming rates of food insecurity among minorities.

In the general population, 1 in 6 Americans, 49 million, are currently living in households that are identified as food insecure, but the rates are much higher for Latinos and African Americans.

“The new USDA findings are disturbing. It is very upsetting that so many Americans struggle on a daily basis to find enough nutritious food to feed themselves and their families. But it is also particularly of concern that Latinos and African Americans are so disproportionately affected,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “Our nation must do everything possible to help end these inequities. We must make sure that all American, especially our children, are properly nourished, so that they can lead healthy, happy and productive lives.”

LATINO

Rates of food insecurity were much higher among Latino households than the national average: more than 26 percent of Latino households versus nearly 15 percent of all households.

More than one in four Latinos, 28 percent, or 13 million, is at risk of hunger.

Nearly one-third of Latino children, 32 percent, or 5 million, are living in food insecure households.