Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Oregon
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Oregon
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 counties in Oregon with the highest rate of food insecure children using data from Feeding America. Counties are ranked by highest percent of children with food insecurity as of 2020. Oregon has a child food insecurity rate of 13.2%, which ranks #31 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 Oregon.
#36. Hood River County
- Child food insecurity rate: 8.8% (480 total)
--- 7.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 5.9% (1,370 total)
--- 5.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $794,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.60
--- 7.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 5.9% (1,370 total)
--- 5.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $794,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.60
#35. Clackamas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.3% (9,180 total)
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (34,480 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,045,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.79
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (34,480 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,045,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.79
#34. Washington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.8% (14,680 total)
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (47,560 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,536,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.73
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (47,560 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,536,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.73
#33. Benton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.9% (1,780 total)
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (9,300 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,722,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.82
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (9,300 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,722,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.82
#32. Gilliam County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (40 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (220 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $127,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (220 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $127,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
#31. Harney County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.0% (190 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (730 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $557,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.74
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (730 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $557,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.74
#30. Deschutes County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.4% (5,160 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (18,880 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,295,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.72
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (18,880 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,295,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.72
#29. Polk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.4% (2,570 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (8,160 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,585,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.49
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (8,160 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,585,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.49
#28. Wallowa County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.7% (180 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (770 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $392,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (770 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $392,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#27. Columbia County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.4% (1,570 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (5,380 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,084,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (5,380 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,084,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
#26. Yamhill County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (3,420 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (10,380 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.76
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (10,380 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.76
#25. Morrow County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (490 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,070 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $527,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,070 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $527,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
#24. Multnomah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.0% (24,180 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (93,380 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $59,061,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.93
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (93,380 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $59,061,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.93
#23. Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.4% (240 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (1,040 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $556,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (1,040 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $556,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
#22. Union County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.4% (960 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (3,100 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,579,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (3,100 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,579,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#21. Wasco County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.6% (980 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (2,840 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (2,840 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
#20. Wheeler County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.6% (40 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.6% (160 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $123,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.79
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.6% (160 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $123,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.79
#19. Linn County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.7% (4,780 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (14,910 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,839,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (14,910 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,839,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.27
#18. Marion County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.7% (14,050 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.6% (36,390 total)
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $19,409,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.6% (36,390 total)
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $19,409,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.31
#17. Umatilla County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (3,320 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (8,490 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,182,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (8,490 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,182,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
#16. Jackson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.1% (7,660 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (25,240 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $14,228,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (25,240 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $14,228,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
#15. Clatsop County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.4% (1,300 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (4,960 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,653,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (4,960 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,653,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
#14. Jefferson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.4% (980 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (2,920 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,620,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.45
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (2,920 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,620,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.45
#13. Sherman County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.5% (60 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (190 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $110,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (190 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $110,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
#12. Lane County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.8% (12,320 total)
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (49,840 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,676,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.57
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (49,840 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,676,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.57
#11. Crook County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.3% (860 total)
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (2,740 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,926,000
--- Cost per meal: $6.63
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (2,740 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,926,000
--- Cost per meal: $6.63
#10. Douglas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.8% (4,000 total)
--- 2.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (13,750 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,256,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
--- 2.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (13,750 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,256,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
#9. Curry County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.9% (610 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.0% (2,990 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,781,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.70
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.0% (2,990 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,781,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.70
#8. Tillamook County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.0% (960 total)
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (3,170 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,826,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (3,170 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,826,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.58
#7. Malheur County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.1% (1,460 total)
--- 3.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (3,790 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,800,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 3.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (3,790 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,800,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#6. Josephine County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.3% (3,270 total)
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.5% (11,760 total)
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,560,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.46
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.5% (11,760 total)
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,560,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.46
#5. Baker County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.3% (640 total)
--- 4.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (2,120 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,080,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 4.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (2,120 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,080,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#4. Klamath County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.4% (3,130 total)
--- 5.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (9,940 total)
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,311,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 5.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (9,940 total)
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,311,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
#3. Coos County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.8% (2,570 total)
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (9,350 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,860,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.6% (9,350 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,860,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
#2. Grant County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.8% (270 total)
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.3% (1,030 total)
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $525,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.3% (1,030 total)
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $525,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#1. Lincoln County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.1% (2,010 total)
--- 8.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.4% (7,580 total)
--- 3.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,279,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
--- 8.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.4% (7,580 total)
--- 3.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,279,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
