In order to address food insecurity, we must first understand it. Every year, Feeding America conducts the Map the Meal Gap study to learn more about food insecurity at the local level. By intentionally focusing on people most impacted, we can ensure everyone thrives.
To accurately estimate the number of people who may be food insecure in every U.S. county and congressional district, Map the Meal Gap uses publicly available state and local data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics on factors that research has shown to contribute to food insecurity. These factors include unemployment and poverty, as well as other demographic and household characteristics. Along with estimates of food insecurity for the overall population and for children, the study also includes local food insecurity estimates for select income levels, ages, and races/ethnicities. In addition to food insecurity, the study estimates the cost of a meal and the amount of need among people who are food insecure, using local data from NielsenIQ and national survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Key Takeaways
- 100% of counties and districts are home to people experiencing food insecurity at some point during the year.
- In 2024, child food insecurity affected every county and district, reaching an estimated 45% in some places.
- Nearly 13 million seniors (ages 65+) and older adults (ages 50-59) experienced food insecurity at some point in 2024.
- More than 8 out of 10 of counties with the highest food insecurity are located in the South.
- More than 8 out of 10 of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural.
- In some counties with available estimates, food insecurity affects up to 2 out of 3 Black individuals and half of Latino individuals compared to 1 out of 3 white individuals.
- Nearly half of all people experiencing food insecurity have incomes that are too high to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- The national food budget shortfall surpassed $33 billion in 2024
- The national average cost per meal was $3.70 in 2024
- County meal costs range from $2.56 to $6.28
