Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Utah
Written by:
September 13, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecure children in Utah
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 Utah 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. Utah has a child food insecurity rate of 11.3%, which ranks #10 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 Utah.
#29. Morgan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 5.8% (250 total)
--- 10.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 5.5% (660 total)
--- 6.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $347,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 10.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 5.5% (660 total)
--- 6.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $347,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#28. Summit County
- Child food insecurity rate: 9.6% (980 total)
--- 6.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (3,420 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,607,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.74
--- 6.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.2% (3,420 total)
--- 3.6% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,607,000
--- Cost per meal: $4.74
#27. Davis County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.1% (11,310 total)
--- 6.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (27,460 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $14,419,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 6.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.8% (27,460 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $14,419,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#26. Utah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.2% (21,050 total)
--- 5.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (56,270 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,716,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
--- 5.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.1% (56,270 total)
--- 2.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $28,716,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
#25. Beaver County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.8% (230 total)
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (540 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $271,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 5.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.1% (540 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $271,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#24. Tooele County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.5% (2,620 total)
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (5,930 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,837,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.97
--- 4.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.5% (5,930 total)
--- 3.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,837,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.97
#23. Wasatch County
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.6% (1,200 total)
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (2,880 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,627,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
--- 4.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 8.7% (2,880 total)
--- 3.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,627,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.51
#22. Daggett County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.1% (20 total)
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (50 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $25,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
--- 4.0% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 7.7% (50 total)
--- 4.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $25,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
#21. Cache County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.4% (4,730 total)
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (13,160 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,331,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 3.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.4% (13,160 total)
--- 1.4% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,331,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#20. Salt Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.6% (39,160 total)
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (111,390 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $58,744,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
--- 3.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.7% (111,390 total)
--- 2.1% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $58,744,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.28
#19. Box Elder County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (2,240 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (5,440 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,763,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.9% (5,440 total)
--- 1.9% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,763,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
#18. Weber County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.9% (9,250 total)
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (24,270 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $12,403,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
--- 3.2% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 9.5% (24,270 total)
--- 2.3% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $12,403,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
#17. Juab County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6% (540 total)
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (1,250 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
--- 2.5% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (1,250 total)
--- 1.0% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $638,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.17
#16. Sanpete County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.5% (1,120 total)
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (3,340 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,575,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
--- 1.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (3,340 total)
--- 0.8% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,575,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
#15. Rich County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.2% (120 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.6% (280 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $135,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.6% (280 total)
--- 0.2% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $135,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#14. Kane County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (260 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (1,060 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (1,060 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $532,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#13. Millard County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.4% (620 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (1,440 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $693,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (1,440 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $693,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#12. Washington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.5% (6,940 total)
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (19,190 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,064,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
--- 0.6% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 11.1% (19,190 total)
--- 0.7% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $10,064,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.26
#11. Iron County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.8% (2,400 total)
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (6,680 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,355,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 0.3% lower than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (6,680 total)
--- 0.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,355,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#10. Emery County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.2% (480 total)
--- 0.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (1,230 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $598,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 0.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (1,230 total)
--- 0.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $598,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#9. Sevier County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.7% (1,050 total)
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (2,620 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,261,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 0.6% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (2,620 total)
--- 0.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,261,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#8. Carbon County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.5% (940 total)
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (2,840 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,381,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 1.4% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (2,840 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,381,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#7. Duchesne County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.2% (1,230 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (2,810 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,406,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (2,810 total)
--- 2.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,406,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
#6. Wayne County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.2% (130 total)
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (350 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $168,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 2.1% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 13.1% (350 total)
--- 1.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $168,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#5. Uintah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.9% (2,220 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.2% (5,060 total)
--- 2.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,531,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 14.2% (5,060 total)
--- 2.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,531,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.11
#4. Grand County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.1% (400 total)
--- 4.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.1% (1,470 total)
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $810,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
--- 4.0% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 15.1% (1,470 total)
--- 3.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $810,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.42
#3. Piute County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.6% (80 total)
--- 4.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.3% (320 total)
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $154,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 4.5% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 17.3% (320 total)
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $154,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#2. Garfield County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.0% (280 total)
--- 7.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (830 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $417,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
--- 7.9% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 16.6% (830 total)
--- 4.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $417,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.12
#1. San Juan County
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.8% (1,150 total)
--- 8.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 19.1% (2,930 total)
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,579,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.35
--- 8.7% higher than national average
- Food insecurity rate: 19.1% (2,930 total)
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,579,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.35
