Our Research

Map the Meal Gap

We believe that addressing the problem of hunger requires a thorough understanding of the problem. Released annually, our landmark study Map the Meal Gap looks at overall and child hunger down to the county level. New in 2022, it also includes estimates for select racial and ethnic groups.

 

Explore the Map >

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Photo of neighbors waiting for food distribution in line

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis unfolds, we are using data to explore how food-insecure individuals and food insecurity rates may be affected. 

fruit in baskets

The Hunger in America study was the largest and most comprehensive study providing insight into charitable food distribution in the United States.

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Althea Lankford of Second Harvest Heartland

We live in a dynamic world with data all around us. Data is one helpful tool to visualize the complex relationship between food insecurity and socioeconomic factors.

Edgar holding a box from food distribution

 

There are a variety of programs that exist to help those who lack access to enough nutritious food. In 2022, 1 in 6 people received food assistance from the charitable food sector.

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Jonathan, a student at Northern Michigan University

College students experiencing food insecurity may struggle to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Chenier Farms of Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana

There are individuals struggling to get by in every community across the country, but both poverty and food insecurity tend to be higher among residents of rural communities. 

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Man with a shopping cart

 

Insufficient financial resources create challenges and tradeoffs for households with incomes below the poverty line. These households experience food insecurity in addition to a range of financial insecurity and other hardships.

Photo of a senior woman holding a food box

 

Existing research suggests that older individuals are at risk food insecurity. Seniors have fixed incomes, limited mobility, and changes in health that can render some older adults particularly vulnerable.

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Mother with two children picking up food from mobile food bank

To better understand the disparities found in food insecurity caused by racism and structural oppression, Feeding America conducts research exploring the intersection of race & ethnicity and food insecurity.

Roommates Micah, Matt and Jalen at university food pantry

Feeding America and the Urban Institute partner to explore the experiences, coping strategies, and viewpoints of teenagers dealing with food insecurity in 10 communities in the United States.

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Hunger and Health

Corn and potatoes in wooden box

 

Many individuals experiencing food insecurity are forced to make a difficult choice between food and medical care in order to stretch the monthly budget. For people who have the additional burden of living with diabetes, these tradeoffs can be particularly harmful as one works to manage their disease.

Anita Garrett of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Food Leaders Lab.

 

Public policies and federal assistance programs such as SNAP work to support families with incomes below the poverty line.

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Stephanie of Food Bank for New York City

In partnership with subject matter experts, practitioners, and academic associates, Feeding America conducts national evaluation studies on effective interventions to reduce food insecurity. Here we share robust data and evidence that informs the work done by network members and other key stakeholders.

a group of volunteers in masks pose in front of a mobile pantry truck

 

The primary role of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is to review and provide ongoing feedback on Feeding America research projects in order to ensure our ability to deliver the highest quality of information to food banks and other service providers within the Feeding America network. 

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