Boroughs with the highest rate of food insecure children in Alaska
Written by:
September 13, 2022
Canva
Boroughs with the highest rate of food insecure children in Alaska
Food insecurity is a widespread problem in the United States, with people experiencing food insecurity in every single county in the nation. The nonprofit Feeding America describes food insecurity as "a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life."
Food insecurity hits children particularly hard. The USDA estimates that more than 5.5 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2021. Not having consistent access to enough food can affect cognitive abilities, overall health, moods, and attention spans—not to mention the psychological effects of living with scarcity.
Stacker compiled a list of boroughs in Alaska with the highest rate of food insecure children using data from Feeding America. Boroughs are ranked by highest percent of children with food insecurity as of 2020. Alaska has a child food insecurity rate of 14.7%, which ranks #20 highest among all states.
States with the highest rate of food insecure children
#1. Louisiana: 21.5%
#2. New Mexico: 20.5%
#3. Mississippi: 20.4%
#4. Alabama: 19.8%
#5. Arkansas: 19.7%
States with the lowest rate of food insecure children
#1. North Dakota: 8.1%
#2. Massachusetts: 8.8%
#3. New Jersey: 9.0%
#4. Minnesota: 9.3%
#5. New Hampshire: 9.5%
Read on to see where food insecurity is most prevalent in Alaska.
#30. Juneau
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.5% (790 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,980 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,858,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,980 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,858,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
#29. Kodiak Island Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (420 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,330 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $946,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,330 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $946,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
#28. Aleutians West Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.7% (130 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (570 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $406,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (570 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $406,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
#27. Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.7% (3,000 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (9,040 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,832,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (9,040 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,832,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
#26. Chugach Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.7% (190 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (590 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $392,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.13
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (590 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $392,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.13
You may also like:
The best beach towns in Alaska
#25. Bristol Bay Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9% (20 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (80 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $57,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (80 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $57,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
#24. North Slope Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9% (340 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (1,030 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $664,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (1,030 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $664,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
#23. Sitka
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9% (250 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (860 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $541,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.91
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (860 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $541,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.91
#22. Copper River Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.0% (110 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (340 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $234,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.28
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (340 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $234,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.28
#21. Anchorage
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.1% (10,000 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (29,270 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $19,457,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.13
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (29,270 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $19,457,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.13
You may also like:
How many people are receiving substance use treatment in Alaska
#20. Aleutians East Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.4% (60 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (330 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $235,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (330 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $235,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
#19. Matanuska-Susitna Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (4,160 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (11,920 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $8,215,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.28
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (11,920 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $8,215,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.28
#18. Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.5% (280 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (830 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $535,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (830 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $535,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
#17. Yakutat
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.7% (20 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (60 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $37,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (60 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $37,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
#16. Denali Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.3% (40 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.2% (410 total)
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $265,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.2% (410 total)
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $265,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
You may also like:
Highest-rated beer in Alaska
#15. Petersburg Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.3% (90 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (360 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $227,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.91
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (360 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $227,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.91
#14. Ketchikan Gateway Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.3% (520 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,690 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,029,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.78
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,690 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,029,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.78
#13. Wrangell
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.6% (90 total)
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (280 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $178,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.95
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (280 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $178,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.95
#12. Kenai Peninsula Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.9% (2,360 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (7,550 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,534,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (7,550 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,534,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.55
#11. Dillingham Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.3% (300 total)
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (720 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $543,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.69
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (720 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $543,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.69
You may also like:
Airports using biometric facial recognition in Alaska
#10. Nome Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.1% (730 total)
--- 5.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.9% (1,690 total)
--- 5.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,145,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.21
--- 5.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.9% (1,690 total)
--- 5.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,145,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.21
#9. Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.1% (60 total)
--- 6.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (300 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $190,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.93
--- 6.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (300 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $190,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.93
#8. Lake and Peninsula Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.6% (70 total)
--- 6.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.0% (170 total)
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $121,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 6.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.0% (170 total)
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $121,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
#7. Haines Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.9% (200 total)
--- 6.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.0% (430 total)
--- 5.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $269,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.89
--- 6.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.0% (430 total)
--- 5.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $269,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.89
#6. Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.9% (330 total)
--- 6.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.5% (1,050 total)
--- 4.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $623,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.69
--- 6.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.5% (1,050 total)
--- 4.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $623,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.69
You may also like:
Metros where renters are the most overextended in Alaska
#5. Northwest Arctic Borough
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.4% (640 total)
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 18.2% (1,400 total)
--- 6.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $903,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 18.2% (1,400 total)
--- 6.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $903,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
#4. Bethel Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.8% (1,680 total)
--- 9.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 20.4% (3,720 total)
--- 8.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,806,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.69
--- 9.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 20.4% (3,720 total)
--- 8.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,806,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.69
#3. Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.2% (390 total)
--- 10.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 18.5% (980 total)
--- 6.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $632,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
--- 10.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 18.5% (980 total)
--- 6.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $632,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.01
#2. Skagway
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.3% (50 total)
--- 10.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.7% (220 total)
--- 4.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $137,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
--- 10.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.7% (220 total)
--- 4.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $137,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.87
#1. Kusilvak Census Area
- Child food insecurity rate: 35.0% (1,180 total)
--- 18.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 26.8% (2,230 total)
--- 15.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,587,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
--- 18.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 26.8% (2,230 total)
--- 15.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,587,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.42
You may also like:
Best public colleges in Alaska
