Food insecurity rates are rising in Georgia, with 1 in 7 people, 1 in 10 seniors, and 1 in 5 children facing hunger, according to Feeding America’s 15th annual Map the Meal Gap study. Food insecurity impacts communities in every county, parish and congressional district in the U.S., and is experienced by people from all backgrounds and demographics, but disparities exist.

Map the Meal Gap is the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs for every county and congressional district. The study builds upon USDA’s most recent report of national and state data, which showed 47 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2023, the highest rate in more than a decade. The study’s results come as at-risk Georgia children face the critical summer months when they lack access to school feeding programs.

Nearly 9 out of 10 high food insecurity counties are in the South, indicating regional disparities. The results highlight the record-high need that the Atlanta Community Food Bank is seeing. The Food Bank has been serving an average of 250,000 households every month, a figure that has increased 60 percent over the last three years. Map the Meal Gap emphasizes the need for the public to join the movement to end hunger.

Nationally, more than 2 out of 5 people facing hunger may not qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to income limits. These numbers are even higher closer to home—over 57% of food insecure Georgians are above the SNAP threshold, while more than 61% of food insecure neighbors in the Food Bank’s 29-county service area may not qualify for SNAP.

“Food insecurity remains an urgent crisis in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Economic pressures and inflation continue to impact our neighbors, and as a result, more children, seniors, and families are struggling to meet their basic food needs," said Sarah Fonder-Kristy, Chief Development Officer of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "Every person touched by food insecurity is at risk of its harmful effects, and the long-term consequences can be especially damaging to children and their well-being.

Families and individuals facing hunger can text “FINDFOOD” or “COMIDA” to 888-976-2232, or visit the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s online Food Pantry Map or Get Help page for assistance.

To learn more about how food insecurity impacts your community, visit https://map.feedingamerica.org/. For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank and how to help end hunger in metro Atlanta and north Georgia, visit www.acfb.org.