Idaho food insecurity rises, affecting over 250,000 residents and 75,000 children

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — BOISE, Idaho — Food insecurity in Idaho has increased, with 250,260 residents, or 12.7% of the population, now facing uncertainty about their next meal, according to the latest Map the Meal Gap report. This marks a rise from last year’s figures, which estimated 11.4% of Idahoans were food insecure.

The report also highlights that 75,640 children, or 16.2% of Idaho’s youth, are affected by food insecurity, up from 14.5% the previous year. Food insecurity is defined as not having enough to eat and not knowing where the next meal will come from.

Randy Ford, President and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank, said, “The latest Map the Meal Gap report reaffirms what we have been seeing across Idaho, that more of our neighbors are reaching out for support.”

Ford emphasized the importance of the report, stating, “The Map the Meal Gap report provides valuable insights that help us strengthen our efforts to nourish Idaho communities and raise awareness about the realities of food insecurity across the state. Together with our partner network, we remain committed to ensuring that every Idahoan has access to the food they need to thrive.”

The report, which uses data from the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the only study providing local-level estimates of food insecurity for every county. It underscores the need for public involvement in combating hunger.

In North and North Central Idaho, 50,000 people, or 14.7% of the population, are estimated to be food insecure, including 14,950 children, or 21% of the region’s youth. Eastern Idaho faces similar challenges, with 54,840 people (12.8%) and 18,690 children (16.5%) affected. Southwest Idaho reports 129,070 people (13%) and 40,170 children (17%) experiencing food insecurity.

The counties with the highest rates of food insecurity in Idaho are Lewis County (17.6%), Butte County (16.9%), and Shoshone County (16.6%). Among children, Lewis County (25%), Shoshone County (24.8%), Boundary County (24%), and Clearwater County (23.4%) have the highest rates.

For more information, including an interactive map, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap.