The U.S. Agriculture Department says the number of American households suffering from what it calls very low food security rose last year.

A new report says nearly 6% of U.S. homes, or a total of 17 million people, had difficulty at some time in 2011 providing enough food. The number increased by 800,000 people.

It blames household food shortages on a lack of money or other resources.

Women living alone and African-American households suffered the biggest increase in very low food security last year.

The Agriculture Department issues food stamps and other aid to needy families. Some Republicans are pushing for a cut in food assistance as part of a deficit reduction plan. Many Democrats oppose the cuts.