Jonathanking // Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Rich jj // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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MJBUMM // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Hollywood // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Ben P L // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Cory Maylett // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Tricia Simpson // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Rich jj // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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JERRYE AND KLOTZ MD // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Nile Dean Meservy // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Skyguy414 // Wikicommons
#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
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Tricia Simpson // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Scott Catron // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Raymond Cannefax // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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runt35 // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Acroterion // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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rob Stoeltje // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Tricia Simpson // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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MojaveNC // Wikimedia
#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
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Bob Palin // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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The Dye Clan // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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PiConsti // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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mypubliclands // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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1915chapel // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Tricia Simpson // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Recline // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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John Manard // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Ken Lund // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Jonathanking // Wikimedia Commons
#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
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Pretzelpaws // Wikimedia Commons
#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
