Spoiler alert: If you’re waiting for a neon sign to start prepping, this might be it.
In 2023, a staggering 47.4 million people in the U.S. (that’s 1 in 7) experienced food insecurity under normal conditions. Among them, 1 in 5 were children.
Fast forward to April 2025, and the global food landscape isn’t looking any rosier. The FAO Food Price Index climbed to 128.3 points, marking a 1% increase from March and a 7.6% rise compared to April 2024. While it’s still below the peak from March 2022, the upward trend is undeniable.
We’ve already seen a huge increase in emergency food purchases. For instance, our data shows that purchases of Augason Farm’s freeze-dried eggs increased by over 300% during the egg shortage a few months ago.
So, is a food shortage coming? Let’s look at seven alarming statistics that suggest you may want to start filling up your pantry sooner rather than later.
If you’re not sure what foods to start with, our full survival foods guide breaks down the best options for short-term emergencies and long-term storage.
Food Shortage Statistics
1. Over 47 Million Americans Face Food Insecurity
Let’s kick things off with how many Americans are currently facing food insecurity: 47 million. Among them, nearly 14 million are children.
This data is also from 2023, so it’s likely that there are even more people facing food insecurity today.
Think about that. In the land of drive-thru everything and grocery stores on every corner, 1 in 7 people couldn’t consistently put food on the table. And that’s in our current economy!
Now, you might be thinking, “Well, that’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t affect me.” But here’s the thing:
Imagine what will happen when the shelves start becoming empty. If people cannot already afford food, what’s going to happen when food becomes even more scarce?
2. Global Food Prices Rose Over 7% Year-Over-Year in April 2025
If buying canned beans feels like navigating the stock market, you’re not imagining things.
According to the FAO Food Price Index (a global benchmark for food commodity prices), global food prices in April 2025 climbed to 128.3 points. That’s a 1% increase from March and a 7.6% rise compared to April 2024.
This is still far below the peak in March 2022 (in the middle of Covid). But the trend upwards is pretty obvious. Food is becoming more expensive. And the factors that are driving these increases aren’t going away anytime soon.
This isn’t just about paying more at the checkout; it’s a signal of deeper issues in our food systems that could lead to shortages. All sorts of things are leading to this disruption, like geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
For instance, the war in Ukraine, a major grain exporter, has had ripple effects on global food prices.
Stockpiling isn’t just about having food when there isn’t any! It’s also about saving money as food prices rise. By building a reserve of non-perishable food items, you’re hedging against price hikes.
Don’t know what to stock up on? Check out our 30-day food supply list. Want to take it a step further? Our 3-month emergency food guide helps you build a pantry that can support your family during longer disruptions.
3. 70% of U.S. Food is Trucked In (Over Fragile Supply Chains)
Here’s a sobering fact: 70% of U.S. agricultural and food products are transported by truck. That means the majority of what you eat relies on a vast network of highways and diesel fuel.
Now imagine a disruption (think: a natural disaster or fuel shortage). That network starts to falter pretty quickly! Suddenly, your local grocery store transforms from a place of abundance to a barren landscape.
Our food supply chain is much more delicate than most of us realize. Any hiccup in transportation can lead to serious delays and even shortages. And with most communities depending heavily on truck deliveries, the impact is swift and widespread.
Relying solely on a complex, truck-dependent food system is a gamble. It’s vital that you look for other sources of food, too, like starting a survival garden.
4. Supply Chain Disruptions Cost $184 Billion Annually (And They’re Getting Worse)
When you’re drinking out of your coffee cup in the morning, it’s easy to forget that there is a big invisible thread connecting your coffee to the larger world: the supply chain.
Today, this thread is fraying.
Supply chain disruptions cost organizations an estimated $184 billion annually. A survey by Maersk revealed that 76% of European shippers experienced supply chain disruptions that delayed their business operations in the past year, with 22% reporting more than 20 disruptive incidents in the same period.
These aren’t just numbers; they’re red flags. The disruptions stem from a cocktail of factors, like geopolitical tensions and economic instability.
The food chain is already struggling to keep up in many areas of the world, and it may only be a matter of time before those ripples start to hit close to home. At some point, it doesn’t just become about delayed shipments. It becomes a matter of whether or not your local grocery store gets its food shipments at all.
5. Global Grain Stocks Are Shrinking Despite Record Harvests
Ready for a paradox?
We’re harvesting more grain than ever, yet our reserves are dwindling.
According to the FAO, global grain production is projected to reach a record 2.842 billion tons in 2025. This includes a record wheat output of 796 million tons and rice production hitting 543 million tons.
But don’t let those numbers lull you into a false sense of security:
Despite these bumper crops, global grain stocks are expected to fall by 1.9% to 869.3 million tonnes. The stock-to-use ratio (a key indicator of food security) is projected to drop to 29.9%, signaling tighter supplies.
What’s causing this discrepancy?
Several factors are at play: increased consumption, adverse weather conditions affecting yields in some regions, and disruptions in trade flows.
Even with record harvests, the world consumes grains faster than we can replenish them. This imbalance could lead to higher prices and increased vulnerability.
To counteract this, consider storing bulk grains in long-term storage using Mylar bags. Grains are cheap and store for very long periods.
6. Over 50 Countries Are at Risk of Acute Food Shortages
According to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, over 295 million people across 53 countries are facing acute food insecurity: a 5% increase from the previous year.
Of course, many of these are the usual suspects: Sudan, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Yemen. But the crisis is getting worse in these countries. In Sudan, nearly half of the population is facing extreme famine conditions.
Don’t let these far-away names make you skim over this statistic, though.
Starving nations don’t exist in a vacuum. They often lead to geopolitical instability and global economic strain. Conflicts over scarce resources can spill over borders, affecting even those in seemingly stable regions.
The fact that so many in the world is starving means we aren’t producing enough food, or our supply chain isn’t strong enough to get it there.
Prepping isn’t isolationism; it’s responsible buffering. Start by assessing your current food storage and gradually build a supply that can sustain you and your family for at least 30 days.
Even if you’re prepping on a budget, just picking up a can or two extra at the store each week, you might be surprised by how quickly your prepper pantry starts to grow.
7. Only 36% of Americans Have a 3-Day Emergency Food Supply
Let that sink in: nearly two-thirds of Americans are just one unexpected event away from empty pantries.
According to a FEMA survey, only 36% of Americans have a three-day emergency food supply on hand. That means the majority are banking on the hope that grocery stores will always be stocked and accessible.
But as we’ve seen with natural disasters, pandemics, and supply chain hiccups, that’s a risky bet.
In the event of an emergency, those without adequate supplies will be the first to crowd stores, leading to empty shelves and increased panic. And if you’re prepared, you might find your well-stocked pantry becoming a community resource (whether you like it or not).
And, if you think FEMA is rolling out MREs to your cul-de-sac, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.
Start by building a 30-day supply of shelf-stable foods. Focus on items you already eat and rotate them regularly to keep your stock fresh. Canned foods work great for those just starting their supply, and our guide on what canned foods last the longest can help you pick the best ones.
Once you’ve got that down, consider expanding to a 90-day supply, or even just 31 days. Just don’t be part of the 64% caught off guard.
Is a Food Shortage Coming? What to do about it
Alright, you’ve made it this far without looking up how to build a bunker. Good on you. Now, let’s channel that concern into action.
Here’s what you can do today to prepare:
- Start Building a 30-Day Food Stash: You can either purchase a variety of shelf-stable foods from the grocery store (preferably foods you already eat). Or, you can purchase a ready-made emergency food kit. Just have something to eat!
- Diversify: Next, focus on variety. For instance, purchase powdered eggs for extra protein and powdered milk for baking. Learn how to use mylar bags so you can store bulk grains and dry goods safely for the long haul. Go beyond the most basic calories and store foods for complete nutrition.
- Rotate, Inventory, and Track Expiration Dates: An organized pantry is a usable pantry. Implement the FIFO (First In, First Out) method: use older items first and place new purchases at the back. Maintain an inventory list with expiration dates to avoid waste.
- Practice “Living Off Your Pantry:” Next, practice really living off the foods you have stored for at least a week or two. This means learning a few survival recipes and trying to cook your regular recipes using only shelf-stable ingredients.
- Get to Know Your Local Suppliers: Want to know what foods don’t rely on the supply chain? Those are produced locally. So, get to know your local farmer’s market and figure out what’s available when in your area.
- Learn Basic Food Preservation Skills: Figure out how to store food long-term using techniques like freezing and canning. These skills can help ensure that your food stays nutritious year-round. Resources like the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning can provide detailed instructions. Freeze-drying food at home is now possible with machines like the Stay Fresh Freeze Dryer that we reviewed.
Remember, your goal isn’t necessarily to prepare for doomsday. It’s to build resilience against everyday disruptions. Start small and be consistent, and you’ll make a lot of headway. Also see our full guide on How to Prepare for a Food Shortage.
