Transcript: Interview with Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 30, 2025

In an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on November 30, 2025, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, addressed the ongoing challenges of hunger in the United States.

Nancy Cordes: Data from the Department of Agriculture shows that 47.4 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2023, meaning they couldnt always access enough food for everyone in the household. Claire, what is the current situation at food banks as the holidays approach?

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot: Even before the recent government shutdown, food insecurity was at its highest level in nearly a decade. The demand for food assistance remains extremely high. Notably, many of the people turning to food banks do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, highlighting a growing group that requires support. We know the strategies that work, and its crucial to implement them to address hunger and poverty effectively.

Nancy Cordes: What factors are driving this increase in food insecurity, especially among those who dont qualify for federal benefits?

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot: The system itself is failing many people. Many Americans cannot secure higher-paying work due to systemic barriers. If we implemented measures like a sliding scale for wages, more people could rise out of poverty. Since food insecurity is a direct consequence of poverty, addressing income inequality would reduce hunger. Everyone should have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families with dignity.

Nancy Cordes: What challenges do organizations face this holiday season in feeding those in need?

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot: Unfortunately, demand often exceeds available food. Witnessing people who are striving to provide for their families yet still relying on food banks is difficult. Many demonstrate incredible courage and resilience. My admiration extends to both those experiencing hunger and the staff and volunteers in the Feeding America network who work tirelessly alongside them. Our goal is to empower people to eventually support themselves while ensuring food banks can provide immediate assistance.

Nancy Cordes: About two million Americans will lose SNAP benefits due to legislative changes earlier this year. What are the economic consequences, and what can your organization do?

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot: The Congressional Budget Office estimates this could create a six billion meal gap annually. To address this, we need to combat fraud, reduce errors in the system, and provide opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty. These actions should be strategic and bipartisan, as reducing hunger benefits the entire country.

Nancy Cordes: Thank you, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.

Analysis: Rising Hunger and Food Insecurity in the United States

The issue of food insecurity in the United States remains a critical and urgent concern, especially as we approach the holiday season. As Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, pointed out in a recent interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," the situation has reached alarming levels, with nearly 47.4 million Americans affected by food insecurity in 2023. This number underscores a grim reality: millions of families across the nation struggle to access enough food to meet their basic needs.

The ongoing challenges are exacerbated by systemic barriers that prevent many Americans from obtaining higher-paying jobs, a central issue contributing to the rise in food insecurity. As Babineaux-Fontenot highlighted, people who don't qualify for federal nutrition programs are increasingly relying on food banks. This growing group of individuals and families is left to navigate a system that fails to provide the necessary support to lift them out of poverty. Addressing income inequality and creating more accessible pathways to economic stability are key steps in reducing hunger across the nation.

Moreover, the upcoming loss of SNAP benefits for approximately two million Americans due to legislative changes is expected to create a significant gap in food assistance. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this will result in a six-billion-meal shortfall annually, further stressing the already overburdened food banks. In response, organizations like Feeding America are working tirelessly to address immediate needs while advocating for systemic changes that would reduce food insecurity in the long term. However, the scale of the challenge requires a coordinated, bipartisan effort to ensure that food assistance reaches those who need it most.

In conclusion, as the holidays approach, the gap between demand and available food at food banks remains wide. The resilience of those facing hunger and the dedicated efforts of volunteers and staff at Feeding America are commendable. However, for sustainable change to occur, systemic issues such as income inequality, employment opportunities, and federal nutrition policies must be addressed. Until then, food banks will continue to play a vital role in providing immediate relief to millions of Americans in need.

Sources:

• Transcript: Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 30, 2025