Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Idaho
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Idaho
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 Idaho 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. Idaho has a child food insecurity rate of 10.5%, which ranks #7 lowest 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 Idaho.
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#44. Teton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 6.2% (180 total)
--- 9.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.2% (730 total)
--- 5.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $580,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.94
--- 9.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.2% (730 total)
--- 5.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $580,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.94
#43. Jefferson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 7.1% (700 total)
--- 9.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.0% (1,760 total)
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $978,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.45
--- 9.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.0% (1,760 total)
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $978,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.45
#42. Caribou County
- Child food insecurity rate: 7.9% (160 total)
--- 8.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (490 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $268,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
--- 8.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.0% (490 total)
--- 4.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $268,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
#41. Franklin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 8.2% (360 total)
--- 7.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (990 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $490,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 7.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (990 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $490,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#40. Ada County
- Child food insecurity rate: 8.4% (9,270 total)
--- 7.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (36,850 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $22,912,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.86
--- 7.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (36,850 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $22,912,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.86
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#39. Bonneville County
- Child food insecurity rate: 9.4% (3,400 total)
--- 6.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (9,450 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,900,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
--- 6.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (9,450 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,900,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.22
#38. Madison County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.3% (1,100 total)
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (4,280 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,194,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
--- 5.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (4,280 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,194,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
#37. Latah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.6% (780 total)
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,200 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,438,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.61
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,200 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,438,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.61
#36. Oneida County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.6% (130 total)
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (420 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $208,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 5.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (420 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $208,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#35. Bingham County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.7% (1,520 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (3,900 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,901,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.4% (3,900 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,901,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
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#34. Cassia County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.7% (810 total)
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (1,940 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,037,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 5.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (1,940 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,037,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
#33. Clark County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.1% (30 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.8% (60 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $31,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 6.8% (60 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $31,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
#32. Valley County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.1% (210 total)
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,030 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $657,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
--- 5.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,030 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $657,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
#31. Fremont County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.7% (390 total)
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (1,180 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $605,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
--- 4.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (1,180 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $605,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.18
#30. Power County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (280 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (650 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $356,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (650 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $356,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
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#29. Bannock County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (2,800 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.6% (9,170 total)
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,024,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.6% (9,170 total)
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,024,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.40
#28. Nez Perce County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (1,070 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,240 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,085,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (4,240 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,085,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
#27. Bear Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.5% (200 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (590 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $292,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (590 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $292,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#26. Payette County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (780 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (2,370 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,512,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (2,370 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,512,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
#25. Canyon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (8,130 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (20,840 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,943,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (20,840 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,943,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
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#24. Twin Falls County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.0% (3,090 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (8,510 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,619,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (8,510 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,619,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
#23. Gooding County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.2% (550 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (1,500 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $712,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (1,500 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $712,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#22. Washington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (310 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,070 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $683,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.5% (1,070 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $683,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
#21. Kootenai County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6% (5,020 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (16,420 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,409,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (16,420 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,409,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
#20. Elmore County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.8% (940 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (3,080 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,647,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.4% (3,080 total)
--- 0.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,647,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.32
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#19. Minidoka County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9% (830 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (1,970 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $920,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (1,970 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $920,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#18. Lincoln County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (230 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (490 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $232,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (490 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $232,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#17. Jerome County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.6% (1,080 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (2,260 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,072,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (2,260 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,072,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#16. Idaho County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.7% (470 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (1,970 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,433,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.0% (1,970 total)
--- 0.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,433,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
#15. Lemhi County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.7% (210 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (940 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $673,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.45
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (940 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $673,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.45
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#14. Bonner County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.8% (1,300 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (5,160 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,842,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (5,160 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,842,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
#13. Butte County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.9% (80 total)
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (320 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $251,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
--- 1.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.4% (320 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $251,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
#12. Owyhee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.3% (460 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.7% (1,260 total)
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $662,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.7% (1,260 total)
--- 1.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $662,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#11. Camas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (40 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (120 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $94,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (120 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $94,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
#10. Blaine County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.1% (790 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (2,180 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,707,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (2,180 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,707,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
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#9. Gem County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.6% (680 total)
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (2,160 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,134,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 0.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (2,160 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,134,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#8. Boise County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.7% (200 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (860 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $535,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.86
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (860 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $535,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.86
#7. Benewah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (360 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (1,160 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $665,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (1,160 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $665,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
#6. Clearwater County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (240 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (1,120 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $815,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (1,120 total)
--- 1.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $815,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
#5. Custer County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (140 total)
--- 2.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.6% (570 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $446,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
--- 2.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.6% (570 total)
--- 1.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $446,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.86
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#4. Boundary County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.6% (530 total)
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (1,630 total)
--- 1.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $898,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
--- 2.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (1,630 total)
--- 1.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $898,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
#3. Adams County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.9% (130 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.7% (580 total)
--- 1.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $370,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.7% (580 total)
--- 1.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $370,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.96
#2. Lewis County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (170 total)
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (570 total)
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $415,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
--- 4.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (570 total)
--- 2.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $415,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.52
#1. Shoshone County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.7% (530 total)
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.7% (1,990 total)
--- 3.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,140,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
--- 4.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.7% (1,990 total)
--- 3.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,140,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.56
