Map the Meal Gap shows food insecurity across the U.S., Texas Panhandle
Feeding America has published its Map the Meal Gap study for the 12th year. According to this study, there are food insecurities in all 3,143 counties and country equivalents as well as 436 congressional districts in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to Feeding America's research.
Map the Meal Gap is the only study that estimates food insecurity and the cost of food across the United States on a local level, according to a news release. The study released this year provides data from 2020 that includes food insecurity rates for several racial groups showing that the variations can be widely different, depending on population and place.
Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. This is done through a network of 200 food banks, including the High Plains Food Bank, and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. Through this network, meals are provided to 40 million people annually. Feeding America supports programs that prevent food waste and improve the food security that the people they serve face, while providing education about the issues and problems with hunger, and advocating for legislation that protects people from being hungry, according to Feeding America.
“Every community in this country experiences food insecurity, but we do not all experience it the same way. These data provide the most complete picture available, and we know behind these data are people and communities who will be impacted by the changes we must make to ensure no one goes hungry,” said Tom Summerfelt, PhD, Chief Research Officer of Feeding America in a news release. “It is only by understanding the realities of food insecurity within our communities that we can truly address them. Map the Meal Gap provides incredible insights and data and is available to everyone so that people facing hunger, policymakers, and community leaders can come together and craft policies that increase food access for all."
Studies have shown that 1 in 7 (13.5%) individuals in the Texas Panhandle and 1 in 6 children (18%) face food insecurity. Out of these, 1 in 3 (29%) of Black neighbors, 1 in 6 Hispanic neighbors, and 1 in 13 (8%) White (non-Hispanic) neighbors face food insecurities.
The most food secure is Moore County with 1 in 10 neighbors and 1 in 7 children facing food insecurity. On the other hand, Cottle County has the highest rate of food insecurity with 1 in 5 individuals and 1 in 4 children facing food insecurity.
“Overall, rural counties are affected more than metro counties are. In our service area, High Plains Food Bank covers 29 counties, with 27 of those being rural. Our overall food insecurity rate is 1 in 7 individuals, including 1 in 6 kids. That is a little higher than the national average, so overall, our neighbors are more likely to face food insecurities than others on the national level. What we have seen from the research done by Feeding America is that even though rural Americans are more likely to face food insecurity, there are also disparities in race and ethnicity. Food insecurity is more likely to impact our Black and Hispanic neighbors,” said Tina Brohlin, Director of Development for High Plains Food Bank.
The estimated shortfall of the annual food budget is around $30,540,000 in just our area, while 33.7% of the individuals facing food insecurity exceed the income limit for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The High Plains Food Bank has several programs like Kids Cafe, Direct Mobile Distribution, a senior adult food box program (CSFP), Mobile Harvest produce distribution, and nutrition education through The Garden at High Plains Food Bank. They can also refer individuals to programs and organizations that can help establish food security, improve self-sufficiency, and improve health. Along with that, HPFB can help people apply for SNAP, CHIP, and Medicaid.
“High Plains Food Bank alone wouldn’t have the resources to undertake a study like this. Being a member of the national Feeding America network allows us to have this information in order to help us understand the community that we are serving that are at risk of facing hunger, because the more knowledge that we have, the better we will be able to make good decisions with our limited resources. It also allows us to influence the policies and practices that remove the challenges and barriers that are created between our neighbors. This allows us to inspire others to help our food insecure neighbors to take action to make strides in improving local food insecurities,” Brohlin said.
The High Plains Food Bank, as well as their partner agencies, are asking for volunteers to help keep their wheels turning.
“Right now, the best thing people can do is volunteer their time, because we are having a hard time finding enough volunteers. If school groups or church groups can get out and volunteer at the food bank or local food pantries, not only would it help us, but it helps fight that food insecurity,” Brohlin said.
To volunteer at the High Plains Food Bank, visit https://www.hpfb.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/volunteer/
Feeding America has an interactive map to see the food insecurity rates around the United States and Texas online at https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2020/overall/texas
According to the Feeding America data, for example, some of the numbers for Potter County include a food insecurity rate of 16.1%, with a food insecure population of 19,010. The average meal cost is $2.96, and the data says the additional money required to meet food needs would be more than $9 million. In addition, 76% live below the SNAP threshold of 165% poverty. In Randall County, there is a 11.9% food insecurity rate, with a food insecure population of 16,120. The average meal cost is $3.39, with almost $8.8 million additional funds required to meet food needs. And, 49% are below the SNAP threshold of 165% poverty.
For the full research collected by Feeding America, go to https://www.feedingamerica.org/research.