Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Iowa
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Iowa
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 Iowa 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. Iowa has a child food insecurity rate of 11.0%, which ranks #8 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 Iowa.
#50. Butler County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (390 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (1,170 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $618,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (1,170 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $618,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
#49. Greene County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (240 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (770 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $403,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (770 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $403,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#48. Keokuk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.0% (280 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (970 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $477,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (970 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $477,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
#47. Hancock County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.1% (280 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (870 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $460,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (870 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $460,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
#46. Union County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.1% (330 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (1,210 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $686,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.52
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (1,210 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $686,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.52
#45. Hardin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.2% (440 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (1,310 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $631,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (1,310 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $631,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#44. Kossuth County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.2% (390 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (1,290 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $630,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (1,290 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $630,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#43. Jones County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.3% (540 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (1,610 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $816,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (1,610 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $816,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
#42. Adair County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (190 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (630 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $357,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.52
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.9% (630 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $357,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.52
#41. Clay County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (450 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.8% (1,420 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $676,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.8% (1,420 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $676,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#40. Linn County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (6,490 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (16,980 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,222,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.5% (16,980 total)
--- 4.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $9,222,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.37
#39. Monona County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (220 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (850 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $428,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (850 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $428,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#38. Winnebago County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.5% (290 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.6% (800 total)
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $423,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.6% (800 total)
--- 4.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $423,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
#37. Jefferson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (450 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,790 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $833,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,790 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $833,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
#36. Ringgold County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.7% (150 total)
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (390 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $196,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 3.4% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.9% (390 total)
--- 3.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $196,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#35. Cerro Gordo County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.8% (1,130 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (3,560 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,883,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (3,560 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,883,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
#34. Decatur County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (220 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (810 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $447,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.2% (810 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $447,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
#33. Humboldt County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (290 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (890 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $434,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (890 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $434,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#32. Clayton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.0% (480 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,730 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $920,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.30
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (1,730 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $920,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.30
#31. Jackson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.0% (560 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (1,650 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $821,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (1,650 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $821,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#30. Mahaska County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (700 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,090 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,028,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (2,090 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,028,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
#29. Muscatine County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (1,390 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (3,100 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.2% (3,100 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.07
#28. Osceola County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (180 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (440 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $210,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.3% (440 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $210,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#27. Pottawattamie County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.1% (2,850 total)
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (8,010 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,970,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 3.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (8,010 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,970,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#26. Emmet County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.2% (250 total)
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (760 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $362,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 2.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (760 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $362,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#25. Polk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.3% (16,100 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (38,870 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,556,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.44
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (38,870 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $21,556,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.44
#24. Tama County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.4% (560 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (1,400 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $675,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (1,400 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $675,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#23. Van Buren County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (220 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (670 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $313,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.4% (670 total)
--- 2.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $313,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#22. Lucas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6% (260 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (870 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $456,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (870 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $456,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#21. Franklin County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.0% (330 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (820 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $434,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (820 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $434,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
#20. Henry County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.1% (610 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (1,710 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $861,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.6% (1,710 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $861,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
#19. Fayette County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.2% (590 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,830 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $929,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.3% (1,830 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $929,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
#18. Woodbury County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.2% (3,800 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (8,500 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.3% (8,500 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#17. Wright County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.2% (430 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (1,070 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $522,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (1,070 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $522,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#16. Audubon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.3% (160 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (440 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $229,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.0% (440 total)
--- 3.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $229,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
#15. Marshall County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.4% (1,440 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (3,390 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,634,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (3,390 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,634,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#14. Page County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.6% (430 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (1,390 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $699,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.2% (1,390 total)
--- 2.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $699,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#13. Montgomery County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.8% (340 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (910 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $451,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.0% (910 total)
--- 2.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $451,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#12. Scott County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.8% (6,070 total)
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (15,060 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,884,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 1.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (15,060 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $7,884,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#11. Clinton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.1% (1,590 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (4,840 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,408,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (4,840 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,408,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#10. Floyd County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.3% (540 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (1,570 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $831,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.0% (1,570 total)
--- 1.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $831,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.29
#9. Webster County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.5% (1,190 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (3,690 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,801,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.1% (3,690 total)
--- 1.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,801,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#8. Wayne County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.9% (260 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (620 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $325,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.6% (620 total)
--- 2.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $325,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.25
#7. Lee County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.1% (1,180 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (3,340 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,561,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (3,340 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,561,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#6. Black Hawk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.8% (4,810 total)
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (12,900 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,573,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
--- 0.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.8% (12,900 total)
--- 2.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,573,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
#5. Crawford County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.2% (720 total)
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (1,750 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $910,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
--- 1.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.3% (1,750 total)
--- 1.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $910,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.23
#4. Wapello County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.3% (1,460 total)
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (3,880 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,806,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 2.2% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (3,880 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,806,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
#3. Clarke County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.1% (440 total)
--- 3.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (1,020 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $562,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
--- 3.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (1,020 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $562,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.43
#2. Appanoose County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.8% (550 total)
--- 3.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (1,640 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $763,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 3.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.2% (1,640 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $763,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
#1. Des Moines County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.5% (1,830 total)
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (4,520 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
--- 4.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (4,520 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,276,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
