Laura J. Hales

Agricultural Economist
laura.hales@usda.gov

Briefly

Laura J. Hales is an agricultural economist in the Food Assistance Branch in the Food Economics Division. Her research focuses on the measurement of food insecurity in the United States.

Background

Laura joined the Economic Research Service (ERS) in April 2021. She previously worked as a research analyst at the Kansas Department of Labor where she examined the costs of workplace injuries to Kansas industries, as well as how both employers and employees utilize workers’ compensation insurance to mitigate those costs. Her work at ERS focuses on monitoring annual trends in food insecurity and research to understand determinants of food insecurity, including how participation in nutrition assistance programs affects food insecurity.

Education

Laura holds an M.A. in Economics from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She received a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University.

Household Food Insecurity Across Race and Ethnicity in the United States, 2016–21 Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 Household Food Security in the United States in 2022

Food Insecurity Decreased for U.S. Households With Children in 2021, but Increased for Households Without Children Food Insecurity for Households With Children Rose in 2020, Disrupting Decade-long Decline

Food Security in the U.S.