Map the Meal Gap 2024

Map the Meal Gap is a detailed analysis of food insecurity in every county and congressional district in the United States, and the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity across the country. This year's release focuses on the extent and variation in local food insecurity levels in the U.S. in 2022.

The extra money people need for food has hit a 20-year high. Neighbors experiencing hunger reported needing an additional $24.73 per week in 2022, a 9.5% increase after adjusting for increased prices. In Central Florida, neighbors facing food insecurity need nearly $26 per week to meet their needs, up from $21.97 in the previous report.

Nationally, the amount needed among all 44 million people facing hunger in 2022 hit a record high of $33.1 billion, up nearly 43%. This increase suggests that rising prices, especially food prices, likely contributed significantly to the increase in need. "The insights from this year's study confirm what we hear from people facing hunger: elevated food prices and the hard choice between other household expenses like electricity, childcare, or medical bills are making hunger in America worse," said Linda Nageotte, Feeding America president and chief operating officer.

Food insecurity in Central Florida

• One in eight, 531,710, people in Central Florida are facing hunger.
• One in six, 154,500 children in Central Florida face hunger.
• Two Central Florida counties (Marion and Osceola County) have higher rate of food insecurity than the national average of 13.5%.
• 32% of food insecure people in Central Florida are unlikely to qualify for SNAP.

Child Food Insecurity

The report shows that one in six kids in Central Florida are facing hunger. Being food insecure at any age can be harmful, but it can be devastating for children. It can stunt their growth, affect their ability to learn and forces them to withdraw from social interaction. The consequences and costs of food insecurity for children of all ages make addressing the issue an economic and social imperative as research demonstrates links between food insecurity and poor child health and behavioral outcomes at every age.

Key Findings from Map the Meal Gap

• 100% of counties and congressional districts are home to people facing hunger.
• Child food insecurity rates are higher than 40% in some counties.
• Nearly 50% of people facing hunger are unlikely to qualify for SNAP.
• Food insecurity among Black or Latino individuals is higher than white individuals in more than 9 out of 10 counties with comparable data.

Additional Resources

View findings on an Interactive Map on Feeding America's website
Full Map the Meal Gap 2024 Report