New Report Uncovers Alarming Levels of Food Insecurity in North Idaho: What You Need to Know

Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief charity in the U.S., recently shared its annual Map the Meal Gap report for Idaho. It reveals that 12.7% of Idahoans face food insecurity, meaning they struggle to get enough to eat and often worry about their next meal.

This issue is especially concerning for children. The report shows that about 16% of kids in Idaho are food insecure, a rise from last year’s 14.5%. This trend highlights a growing challenge in the community.

The Map the Meal Gap report is unique because it provides detailed estimates of food insecurity for every county in the state. It pulls data from reliable sources like the USDA and the U.S. Census Bureau. “The latest report confirms what we’ve been witnessing across Idaho—more people need help,” commented Randy Ford, President and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank.

On a national level, about 47 million people faced food insecurity in 2023, the highest number in nearly ten years. This includes around 14 million children. In Idaho alone, nearly 50,000 individuals in the northern regions are food insecure. Surprisingly, 63% of food-insecure residents earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits, underscoring the complexities of this issue.

Rural areas are particularly affected. Nationally, 85% of the counties with the highest food insecurity rates are located in rural regions. In Idaho, Lewis County leads with 17.6% food insecurity, followed by Butte County at 16.9% and Shoshone County at 16.6%. Among children, Lewis County has the highest rate at 25%, closely followed by Shoshone County at 24.8% and Boundary County at 24%.

These statistics not only paint a picture of current needs but also reflect broader socioeconomic challenges. As food prices rise and wages struggle to keep pace, hunger remains a critical issue. Understanding these trends can help communities better support those in need.

For more detailed information, visit the Map the Meal Gap report by Feeding America.

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