ATHENS, GA (July 28, 2026) – New data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study helps us understand the challenges families have been facing, as more than 8 out of 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of food insecurity nationally are rural. In Northeast Georgia, 104,140 people experienced food insecurity in 2024. This represents more than 13% increase from 2023. Among children, there was a 31.7% increase in food insecurity, compared to the rest of the state which saw a 10.5% increase in child food insecurity.
The study also revealed that approximately 47% of people experiencing food insecurity in Northeast Georgia had incomes too high to qualify for federal nutrition assistance, leaving them without a vital bridge to maintain stability.
As food prices have remained stubbornly high and federal supports have declined, the estimates from Map the Meal Gap call for us all to harness our collective power to ensure everyone can access the food they need to thrive.
One neighbor in Northeast Georgia shared, “I got railroaded out of a 20-year job & never anticipated that I’d be having to find free food. Thanks to all the volunteers. You bring tears to my eyes & I bless all of you & thank you for caring!”
“When our neighbors speak, we listen,” said Erin Barger, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. “These data from Map the Meal Gap convey the depth and the growing rate of food insecurity, but behind each percentage point is a child, a family, a senior, a veteran, a neighbor working hard to make ends meet. There is room for any and everyone to take action on this issue. Hunger is experienced by everyday people, and it can only be solved by everyday people. That means you and me. Please join us!”
Although USDA has stopped collecting food security data, Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs. Moving forward, Feeding America is collaborating as a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, state-wide associations and regional co-ops—in partnership with diverse partners—to explore alternative data sources from which to estimate local food insecurity in 2027 and beyond.
The study’s findings show a powerful view of how food insecurity has shaped our region. Behind the numbers are the quiet, difficult choices neighbors told us they faced in a 2025 Neighbor Survey, as the high costs of housing and basic necessities made it difficult to access the nutritious food their families needed.
One neighbor shared, “I had a bad stretch – illnesses, lack of work, car problems, a water leak. Basically, a lot of things went wrong consecutively.”
Other key findings of Map the Meal Gap include:
Food Insecurity by Geography and Demographics:
- 100% of counties and congressional districts are home to people experiencing food insecurity. In Northeast Georgia, food insecurity among all individuals ranges from a low of 11% in Oconee County to highs of approximately 20% in Athens-Clarke, Franklin, Habersham, and Towns Counties.
- Nationwide, 84% of counties with the highest food insecurity are in the South.Georgia experienced a 9% increase in food insecurity.
Food security and income:
- Nationally, half of all people experiencing food insecurity may not qualify for SNAP benefits due to income limits.Here in Northeast Georgia, 47% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP and 28% of children facing hunger may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Food spending and prices:
- In 2024, people in food-insecure households reported needing an additional $22.61 per person per week to have just enough money to cover their food needs. This translated to more than $71 million across all 104,140 individuals in food-insecure households.
- Individuals who were food secure in 2024 reported spending an average of $3.70 per meal. Meal costs vary significantly by county throughout the nation, ranging from $2.56 to $6.28, showcasing the diverse economic challenges faced by communities.In Northeast Georgia, the average cost per meal is $3.61, which reflects the high need we see at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
The Map the Meal Gap study is supported by Conagra Brands Foundation, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, and NielsenIQ/NIQ. Additional key takeaways from the report can be found on the Map the Meal Gap website along with an interactive map that details food insecurity by geography, income, race and ethnicity.
Methodology:
Map the Meal Gap uses publicly available data from USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate local food insecurity at the county, congressional district and state levels. The study also estimates local meal costs and food budget shortfalls using food price data from NIQ, based on USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, and grocery sales tax data for every county and state in the country.
To learn how food insecurity impacts your community, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap. For more information about the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and how to help end hunger in your community, visit FoodBankNEGA.org.
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About the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia connects neighbors with nourishing food and unites thousands of volunteers, partners and donors toward a vision of Every Neighbor. With Enough Food. Every Day. As the only regional hub serving our 15-county region, the Food Bank leverages food valued altogether at $32 million annually, mobilizing 16.8 million pounds of food in 2025 through a robust network of 230 member partners.
About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America supports tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
