In a newly-released “Map the Meal Gap” report from 2022, more than 54,000 children within the 42-county Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland’s service area faces food insecurity.
That’s roughly one in five children.
The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. It is linked to various detrimental social and health consequences and is recognized as a significant concern within the realm of public health.
Per the report, this is notable escalation in childhood food insecurity compared to previous years. Last year’s study identified four service counties with childhood food insecurity rates exceeding 20%. This year’s, however, has a staggering 36 counties surpassing 20%, and that’s nearly all of the service area, and accounts for almost 33% of the Commonwealth.
Three counties stand out as they rank among the top 10 counties overall in Kentucky for the highest number of food insecure children.
1) Warren County secures the fourth position with 6,220 food insecure children.
2) Hardin County is in at fifth with 5,350 food insecure children.
3) And Christian County is at sixth with 5,270 food insecure children.
Fulton County stands out with the second highest rate of childhood food insecurity in Kentucky, reaching a striking 34.5%.
In the past year, FAKH has distributed more than 460,000 pounds of food to area children through Feeding Kids programming.
For more information, visit feedingamericaky.org.
