Map the Meal Gap study reveals increased food insecurity rates across southwest Missouri
As the cost of basic necessities remain high, more of our neighbors across southwest Missouri are experiencing food insecurity than in recent years. Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study estimates that food insecurity rates have increased from 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults to 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 adults in Ozarks Food Harvest’s service area. That means an estimated 214,000 of our neighbors, including 62,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024.
Rising grocery costs are a top reason that more families are facing hunger. According to Map the Meal Gap, food prices have increased 20% over the last five years, and families need an additional $340 each month to afford groceries. The study indicates that an estimated 40 million meals are now needed annually to ensure people in the Ozarks have enough food — a 50% increase compared to just three years ago.
Map the Meal Gap also found that food insecurity rates tend to be higher in rural communities. Our neighbors living in rural areas often face barriers to food access such as fewer grocery stores, food pantries and meal programs nearby. This is important because 21 of the 28 counties Ozarks Food Harvest serves are rural — including Oregon, Ozark and Hickory counties, where 1 in 4 adults face hunger.
“Food insecurity is not a distant problem — it is present in every community in southwest Missouri,” said Bart Brown, president and CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. “This study helps us understand the challenges that make it harder for our neighbors to put food on the table – especially as housing, childcare and food prices remain high.”
The study also estimates that nearly half of all people experiencing food insecurity in the Ozarks don’t qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
As hunger rates remain high and the demand for food increases, Ozarks Food Harvest is asking the community for help so children, families and seniors can continue to access food.
Map the Meal Gap, now in its 16th year, is the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs for every county and congressional district. Although the USDA has stopped collecting food security data, Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs in the future.
To learn more about Map the Meal Gap, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap.