Many American workers are experiencing food insecurity, with food banks being visited by more and more people with salaries above the poverty line. Experts say food insecurity is no longer an issue of unemployment, but rather a lasting impact of the pandemic. Grocery prices have risen 28 percent over the past 5 years.

Flagstaff Family Food Center in Arizona reported serving an average of 28,000 meals monthly in 2022. Today, that number has risen to 40,000. Washington, DC-based Capital Area Food Bank gave out 64 million meals last fiscal year, which was 5 million more than the previous year. Most disconcerting was the fact that the sharpest increase in visitors to this food bank was from households that earned $100,000 to $150,000 annually.

Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to create a sustainable food system that makes food more readily available and affordable. Farmers are looking to AI to improve food production, as it has the potential to reduce challenges related to growing crops. AI can reduce crop loss due to insect infestations, fungi, and climate-related impacts. Predictive tools can help farmers decide on crop rotation, pest control, and irrigation. AI also allows for precise soil health monitoring, resource use improvements, and waste reduction, ultimately lowering costs and making food less expensive for everyone.