Map the Meal Gap

Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap project estimates food insecurity at the county and congressional district levels across the United States. Estimates provided by Map the Meal Gap are based on a variety of factors, including poverty rates, unemployment rates, and economic indicators. Data are produced annually and available by race, ethnicity, and age group. Using the Map the Meal Gap tool, users can access measures such as the prevalence of food insecurity (the percentage and counts of the population with food insecurity and the percentage of children with food insecurity), the average cost of a meal, the annual food budget shortfall, and the estimated percentage of people eligible for food assistance programs (SNAP and WIC). Moreover, annual food insecurity reports are available on the Feeding America website for a complete understanding.

This data source allows users to identify which populations or geographical areas are experiencing severe food insecurity and address the root cause of the issue. The application also allows users to advocate health equity through the availability and accessibility of nutritious and affordable food and track the improvements over time in communities that are at risk of hunger.