A new Guardian investigation finds that nearly 400 U.S. federal datasets have been deleted or altered since early 2025, raising concerns about the nation’s ability to track public health, education, economic conditions and other critical measures. According to the data tracker Data Index, 28 datasets have been removed and another 338 modified across more than 60 federal agencies. Health-related data accounts for roughly 40% of the affected datasets.
Among the affected data are measures used to understand health outcomes, substance use, labor conditions and other factors that shape community well-being. The changes can make it more difficult to track trends over time, identify disparities and understand the needs of communities most affected by inequity.
For organizations working to advance food, nutrition and health equity, reliable public data is foundational. Data helps communities identify where needs are greatest, helps funders direct resources, and allows practitioners and policymakers to understand whether interventions are making a difference. The erosion of that data creates a significant challenge for evidence-based decision-making and for ensuring that communities have the information they need to build effective solutions.