All 99 Iowa counties face increased food insecurity, survey reports
DES MOINES, Iowa — Results released from an annual study show that all 99 Iowa counties reported increased food insecurity.
Feeding America holds an annual Map the Meal Gap survey, which estimates food insecurity and costs for better resource allotment and cost estimation. A survey released Wednesday showed that every Iowa county reported increased food insecurity in 2023.
The results show that 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children endure food insecurity. The report states that an estimated 385,000 don't know where and when their next meal will come from.
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Annette Hacker, Food Bank of Iowa Strategy and Communications Vice President, says these results are just confirming what they have already seen.
'We know there's no ceiling in sight for at least another couple of years because we have continued to see record numbers of Iowans facing hunger and coming to our partner pantries for food access in record numbers every single month since April of 2022,' said Hacker.
Of the 99 counties, 11 have more than 20% of children reporting food insecurity. While more students qualify for free school meals each year, children face a several-month gap over the summer.
'That is shocking, and it should deeply concern all of us. We don't want to be a state where there's not enough food for our children. They are our future,' said Hacker. 'Also, the ten hardest hit counties in Iowa are largely rural, many in southeastern Iowa.'
With the school year wrapping up, the Food Bank of Iowa is preparing for summer meal programs. The Governor's office and Food Bank are working together on her 'Healthy Kids Iowa' program, which provides $40 a month for children 4-18 years old who are below the federal poverty level.
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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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