Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in South Carolina
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September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in South Carolina
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 South Carolina 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. South Carolina has a child food insecurity rate of 13.8%, which ranks #26 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 South Carolina.
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#46. Pickens County
- Child food insecurity rate: 7.9% (1,870 total)
--- 8.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (12,770 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,563,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.19
--- 8.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (12,770 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,563,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.19
#45. York County
- Child food insecurity rate: 8.4% (5,550 total)
--- 7.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (20,450 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,157,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
--- 7.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (20,450 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,157,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.39
#44. Lexington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 8.8% (6,040 total)
--- 7.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (24,020 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $12,593,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 7.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (24,020 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $12,593,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#43. Greenville County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.0% (11,900 total)
--- 6.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (44,670 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $24,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
--- 6.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (44,670 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $24,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
#42. Beaufort County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.2% (3,960 total)
--- 4.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.4% (13,950 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $8,498,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.78
--- 4.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.4% (13,950 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $8,498,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.78
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#41. Berkeley County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.7% (6,200 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (18,830 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,259,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.38
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (18,830 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,259,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.38
#40. Dorchester County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.8% (4,670 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (13,880 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,824,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (13,880 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,824,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.50
#39. Charleston County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (9,570 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (36,810 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $22,974,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.88
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (36,810 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $22,974,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.88
#38. Lancaster County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (2,550 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (8,720 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,555,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.24
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (8,720 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,555,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.24
#37. Anderson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (5,770 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (20,630 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,190,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (20,630 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,190,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
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#36. Kershaw County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.0% (1,980 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (6,530 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,322,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (6,530 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,322,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#35. Oconee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (2,050 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (8,970 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,218,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (8,970 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,218,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
#34. Aiken County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.3% (4,910 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (15,390 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,660,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (15,390 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,660,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#33. Spartanburg County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (9,860 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (32,870 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $16,018,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (32,870 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $16,018,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#32. Edgefield County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (710 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,510 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,294,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,510 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,294,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.20
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#31. Saluda County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (640 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (1,960 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,056,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.34
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (1,960 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,056,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.34
#30. Abbeville County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (840 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (2,790 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.3% (2,790 total)
--- 0.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
#29. Newberry County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (1,400 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (3,770 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,743,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (3,770 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,743,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
#28. Cherokee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (2,240 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (7,290 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,395,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (7,290 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,395,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
#27. Florence County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.3% (5,670 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (13,900 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,622,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (13,900 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,622,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
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#26. Horry County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.4% (10,790 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (41,450 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (41,450 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,700,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#25. Richland County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.8% (15,870 total)
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (39,040 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,436,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
--- 1.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (39,040 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,436,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
#24. Laurens County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.1% (2,660 total)
--- 2.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.0% (8,730 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,026,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 2.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.0% (8,730 total)
--- 1.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,026,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#23. Jasper County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.3% (1,150 total)
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (2,910 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,685,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.60
--- 3.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (2,910 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,685,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.60
#22. Calhoun County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.4% (540 total)
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (1,660 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $772,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (1,660 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $772,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
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#21. Chesterfield County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.6% (2,000 total)
--- 3.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.7% (5,830 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,756,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.94
--- 3.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.7% (5,830 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,756,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.94
#20. Chester County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.7% (1,420 total)
--- 3.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (4,030 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,931,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.98
--- 3.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.5% (4,030 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,931,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.98
#19. Colleton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (1,710 total)
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (4,200 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,112,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (4,200 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,112,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#18. Sumter County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.5% (5,240 total)
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (11,890 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,911,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (11,890 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,911,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#17. Georgetown County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.6% (2,320 total)
--- 4.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (6,730 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,800,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
--- 4.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (6,730 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,800,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
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#16. Greenwood County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.7% (3,300 total)
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (8,240 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,070,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (8,240 total)
--- 0.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,070,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
#15. Hampton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.7% (860 total)
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (1,850 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $930,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (1,850 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $930,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#14. Darlington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.6% (3,220 total)
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (8,760 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,282,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (8,760 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,282,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#13. Fairfield County
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.7% (1,010 total)
--- 7.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (2,440 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,366,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.48
--- 7.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (2,440 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,366,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.48
#12. Bamberg County
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.8% (670 total)
--- 7.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,740 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $808,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
--- 7.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (1,740 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $808,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
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#11. Clarendon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.4% (1,590 total)
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (4,340 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,024,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (4,340 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,024,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#10. Union County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.5% (1,430 total)
--- 8.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.4% (3,930 total)
--- 2.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,912,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 8.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.4% (3,930 total)
--- 2.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,912,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#9. Dillon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.9% (1,910 total)
--- 8.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.3% (4,660 total)
--- 3.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,172,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 8.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.3% (4,660 total)
--- 3.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,172,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#8. Marion County
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.2% (1,800 total)
--- 9.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (3,900 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,850,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 9.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (3,900 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,850,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#7. Williamsburg County
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.3% (1,620 total)
--- 9.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (4,130 total)
--- 1.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,142,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
--- 9.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (4,130 total)
--- 1.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,142,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
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#6. McCormick County
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.7% (290 total)
--- 9.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (980 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $538,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
--- 9.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (980 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $538,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.41
#5. Orangeburg County
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.2% (5,020 total)
--- 10.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.9% (11,210 total)
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,162,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 10.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.9% (11,210 total)
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,162,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#4. Lee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 28.8% (950 total)
--- 12.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.3% (2,280 total)
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,115,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 12.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.3% (2,280 total)
--- 1.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,115,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#3. Barnwell County
- Child food insecurity rate: 28.9% (1,440 total)
--- 12.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.8% (3,340 total)
--- 4.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,551,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
--- 12.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.8% (3,340 total)
--- 4.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,551,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
#2. Marlboro County
- Child food insecurity rate: 29.6% (1,570 total)
--- 13.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.5% (4,620 total)
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,134,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
--- 13.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.5% (4,620 total)
--- 5.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,134,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
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#1. Allendale County
- Child food insecurity rate: 34.1% (570 total)
--- 18.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.9% (1,390 total)
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $645,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
--- 18.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.9% (1,390 total)
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $645,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
