August 12, 2024 – The latest Map the Meal Gap data from Feeding America reveals a troubling surge in food insecurity across Kentucky’s Heartland. In 2022, 176,270 people in Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland’s (FAKH) 42 county service area were food insecure, an alarming increase of 35,250 individuals from the previous year.
Food insecurity, defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is more than a statistic. It is a critical public health issue with far-reaching social and health consequences.
Charles Dennis, Executive Director of FAKH, emphasized that the annual Map the Meal Gap study provides essential insights for the organization.
“This report guides our initiatives and helps us to allocate resources where they are needed most to combat food insecurity effectively,” he said.
Across Kentucky’s Heartland, the data reveal striking disparities in food security.
- The overall food insecurity rate varies significantly, ranging from 12.3 percent in Nelson County to 20.6 percent in Wayne County.
- Several counties in the region, including Warren (19,990 food-insecure individuals) and Hardin (15,420 food-insecure individuals), rank among the top five in Kentucky for the highest number of food-insecure individuals.
- Childhood food insecurity also presents a major challenge, with rates spanning from 15.7 percent in Nelson County to 34.5 percent in Fulton County.
- Warren County (6,220 food-insecure children), Hardin County (5,350 food-insecure children), and Christian County (5,270 food-insecure children) are among the top ten counties in the state for the highest number of food-insecure children.
From 2021 to 2022, 37,250 Kentuckians, including more than 16,000 children, lost food security. The Heartland region continues to face a growing need, in part due to rising costs of living, historically high food prices, and low wages.
“The data from 2022 underscores a persistent issue that has only intensified with time. The need for community support and resources has never been greater, not even during the pandemic,” said Dennis.
FAKH and their agency partners across Kentucky’s Heartland are striving to address these elevated levels of food insecurity, despite reductions in funding and resources. Last year, FAKH distributed over 20 million pounds of food, the equivalent of nearly 17 million meals, throughout their 42 county service area, valued at $31,856,562.
To learn more about FAKH and food insecurity in your local community explore the map below.
