Food insecurity reaches every community in the bi-state region, with rural counties facing the highest rate
July 28, 2026
New data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study helps us understand the challenges families faced in 2024 as more than 8 out of 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of food insecurity nationally are rural, including in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois, which sees high food insecurity in Iron (MO), St. Francois (MO), and Washington (MO) counties. In the bi-state region, 434,100 people, including 128,790 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. The St. Louis Area Foodbank serves 26 counties, 12 in Illinois and 14 in Missouri.
The study also revealed that many food-insecure people in Illinois (51.9%) and Missouri (62.2%) 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 present in every county served by the St. Louis Area Foodbank in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois,” said Meredith Knopp, St. Louis Area Foodbank President and CEO. “The data helps us understand the scale of need in the bi-state region, knowing that behind every number is a child, a family, a senior, a veteran, a neighbor working hard to make ends meet. In the past year, our neighbors have faced many challenges including rising costs, natural disasters, and disruptions to paychecks and federal services which have caused many to turn to the Foodbank for assistance. 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. Of the communities the St. Louis Area Foodbank serves in Illinois and Missouri, food insecurity among all individuals ranges from a low of 8% in Monroe County, IL, to a high of 21.5% in Iron County, MO.
- Nationwide, 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural. This is true in St. Louis Area Foodbank’s service area, which sees high levels of food insecurity across our rural counties, including in Iron (21.5%) St. Francois (20.4%), and Washington (20.1%) counties.
- Food insecurity also varies for different age groups. Among children, food insecurity in St. Louis Area Foodbank’s service area ranges from a low of 10.2% in Monroe County, IL, to a high of 28.1% in St. Louis City, MO. Meanwhile, the food insecurity rate among seniors age 60+ is 9.7% in Illinois, and 6.8% in Missouri.
- 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 St. Louis Area Foodbank’s service area, available data by race/ethnicity shows that 11% of white individuals, 31% of Black individuals, and 20% 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. In Illinois 51.9% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP. In Missouri, 62.2% may not qualify. 41% of children in St. Louis Area Foodbank’s service area 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. Residents of St. Louis City feel this firsthand, with an estimated food budget shortfall of $26.78 per food insecure person per week.
- 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 St. Louis Area Foodbank’s service area, the average cost per meal is $3.76, which reflects the growing need we see at the Foodbank.
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.
