News and Updates

The study also revealed that approximately 61% of people experiencing food insecurity Indiana had incomes too high to qualify for federal nutrition assistance, leaving them without a vital bridge to maintain stability.

As food prices have remained stubbornly high and federal supports have declined, the estimates from Map the Meal Gap call for us all to harness our collective power to ensure everyone can access the food they need to thrive.

“Food insecurity is not a distant issue—it is present in every Hoosier community,” said Emily Weikert Bryant, Executive Director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. “The data helps us understand the scale of need across our state, knowing that behind every number is a child, a family, a senior, a veteran, a neighbor working hard to make ends meet. When we listen to their experiences and act together, we can ensure they have lasting food security.”

Although USDA has stopped collecting food security data, Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs. Moving forward, Feeding America is collaborating as a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, state-wide associations and regional co-ops—in partnership with diverse partners—to explore alternative data sources from which to estimate local food insecurity in 2027 and beyond.

The study’s findings show a powerful view of how food insecurity shaped America. Behind the numbers are the quiet, difficult choices neighbors told us they faced in the 2024 Elevating Voices: Insights Report, as the high costs of housing and basic necessities made it difficult to access the nutritious food their families needed.

Other key findings of Map the Meal Gap include:

Food Insecurity by Geography and Demographics:

• 100% of counties and congressional districts are home to people experiencing food insecurity. In Indiana, food insecurity among all individuals ranges from a low of 10 percent in Hamilton County to a high of 20 percent in Grant and Fayette Counties.
• Food insecurity also varies for different age groups. Among children, food insecurity in Indiana ranges from a low of 11 percent in Boone County to a high of 27 percent in Grant and Vigo Counties. Meanwhile, the food insecurity rate among seniors age 60+ is 10 percent and the food insecurity rate among older adults age 50-59 is 15 percent.

• Food insecurity is experienced by people from all backgrounds and demographics, but disparities exist. Most people experiencing food insecurity nationally are white, non-Hispanic. Individuals who are Black or Latino often face disproportionately higher rates. In Indiana, available data by race/ethnicity shows that 13% of white individuals, 29% of Black individuals, and 19% of Latino individuals experienced food insecurity in 2024.

Food security and income:

• Nationally, half of all people experiencing food insecurity may not qualify for SNAP benefits due to income limits. Here in Indiana, more than 61% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP and 36% of children facing hunger may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Food spending and prices:

• In 2024, people in food-insecure households reported needing an additional $23.16 per person, per week to have just enough money to cover their food needs. This translated to $33.7 billion across all 47.9 million individuals in food-insecure households. Hoosiers felt this firsthand, with an estimated food budget shortfall of $691 million.
• Individuals who were food secure in 2024 reported spending an average of $3.70 per meal. Meal costs vary significantly by county throughout the nation, ranging from $2.56 to $6.28, showcasing the diverse economic challenges faced by communities. In Indiana, the average cost per meal is $3.32, which reflects the sustained and growing need we see at our member food banks.

The Map the Meal Gap study is supported by Conagra Brands Foundation, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, and NielsenIQ/NIQ. Additional key takeaways from the report can be found on the Map the Meal Gap website along with an interactive map that details food insecurity by geography, income, race, and ethnicity.

Methodology:

Map the Meal Gap uses publicly available data from USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate local food insecurity at the county, congressional district and state levels. The study also estimates local meal costs and food budget shortfalls using food price data from NIQ, based on USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, and grocery sales tax data for every county and state in the country.

To learn how food insecurity impacts your community, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap. For more information about Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and how to help end hunger in Indiana, visit FeedingIndianasHungry.org.

About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.