The latest Map the Meal Gap data from Feeding America shows that 139,020 people in Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland’s (FAKH) 42-county service area were food insecure in 2021.
The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is linked to various detrimental social and health consequences and is recognized as a significant concern within the realm of public health.
Jamie Sizemore, Executive Director of FAKH, said the annual Map the Meal Gap study provides key insights for the organization.
“This valuable data helps us understand the extent of food insecurity in our region and guides our efforts to combat this pressing issue down to the county level,” she said.
The overall food insecurity rate in Barren County is 16.1 percent (approximately one in six), totaling 7,150 food-insecure individuals, which is 5.7% higher than the national rate. The child food insecurity rate is 20.6 percent (approximately one in five), totaling 2,170 food-insecure children.
Other key findings of the study include:
- Overall food insecurity in the FAKH service area ranges from 8.8 percent in Nelson County up to 16.4 percent in Green County.
- Childhood food insecurity in the FAKH service area ranges from 9.7 percent in Nelson County up to 24 percent in Fulton County.
- Over 19 percent of individuals facing food insecurity in Barren County do not qualify for SNAP or other government assistance programs.
- The total food insecurity rate among older adults (50-59) in the FAKH service region is 14.6 percent (approximately one in seven), totaling 77,726 food-insecure individuals, while the total food insecurity rate among seniors in the region (60 and over) is 6.9 percent (approximately one in 14), totaling 76,479 individuals.
Despite a decrease in the overall food insecurity rate in the FAKH region in 2021 compared to the previous year (which stood at 152,230), the region continues to face a persistent and urgent challenge of food insecurity due to the discontinuation of numerous food assistance programs implemented during the pandemic, compounded by the current surge in inflation and escalating grocery prices. Last year, FAKH distributed 553,246 pounds of food which provided enough food for over 461,038 meals in Barren County which valued $778,065.
“Our critical work continues in each of the 42 counties we serve as we pinpoint key programs that will help better meet the needs of our neighbors facing hunger. The team at FAKH and our network of local agency partners are committed to the fight of ending hunger,” said Sizemore.
To learn more about FAKH and support the organization’s mission of fighting food insecurity in the region, visit www.feedingamericaky.org.
