Counties with the highest rate of food insecurity in West Virginia
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February 5, 2022
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Counties with the highest rate of food insecurity in West Virginia
Every county in the United States is home to people experiencing food insecurity, defined by the nonprofit Feeding America as "a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life."
The USDA estimates that 89.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2019—that's 116.0 million people. The COVID-19 pandemic put further strain on households already experiencing food hardship, with Feeding America estimating that 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, may experience food insecurity in 2021. This is a slight improvement from 2020 numbers but still represents an enormous burden for millions of children and adults.
Stacker compiled a list of counties in West Virginia with the highest rate of food insecurity using data from Feeding America. Counties are ranked by highest percent of population with food insecurity as of 2019.
#50. Ohio County
- Food insecurity rate: 10.8% (4,560 total)
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (1,090 total)
--- 7.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,461,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 0.9% lower than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.5% (1,090 total)
--- 7.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,461,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#49. Hardy County
- Food insecurity rate: 10.9% (1,510 total)
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.7% (560 total)
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $795,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 0.0% lower than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.7% (560 total)
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $795,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#48. Preston County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.0% (3,720 total)
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (1,110 total)
--- 16.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,852,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
--- 0.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.0% (1,110 total)
--- 16.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,852,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
#47. Monongalia County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.2% (11,760 total)
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.9% (2,060 total)
--- 18.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,187,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
--- 2.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 11.9% (2,060 total)
--- 18.5% lower than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,187,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.08
#46. Pendleton County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (800 total)
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.8% (230 total)
--- 21.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $416,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.8% (230 total)
--- 21.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $416,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.04
#45. Brooke County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.5% (2,580 total)
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.6% (650 total)
--- 13.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,382,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
--- 5.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.6% (650 total)
--- 13.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,382,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
#44. Pleasants County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (870 total)
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.2% (240 total)
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $423,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.85
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.2% (240 total)
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $423,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.85
#43. Gilmer County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.7% (940 total)
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.2% (200 total)
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $459,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 7.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.2% (200 total)
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $459,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#42. Doddridge County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (1,010 total)
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.1% (220 total)
--- 10.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $497,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.1% (220 total)
--- 10.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $497,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.88
#41. Hancock County
- Food insecurity rate: 11.8% (3,470 total)
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.9% (1,010 total)
--- 22.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,748,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
--- 8.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.9% (1,010 total)
--- 22.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,748,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.95
#40. Harrison County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.1% (8,220 total)
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.0% (2,320 total)
--- 9.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,003,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.85
--- 11.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.0% (2,320 total)
--- 9.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,003,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.85
#39. Tucker County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (850 total)
--- 11.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.2% (200 total)
--- 24.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $433,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.98
--- 11.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.2% (200 total)
--- 24.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $433,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.98
#38. Marion County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.2% (6,880 total)
--- 11.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (2,080 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,636,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
--- 11.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (2,080 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,636,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.09
#37. Marshall County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.3% (3,850 total)
--- 12.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.6% (1,140 total)
--- 27.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,995,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
--- 12.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.6% (1,140 total)
--- 27.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,995,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.03
#36. Mineral County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (3,430 total)
--- 15.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.3% (1,000 total)
--- 25.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,753,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 15.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.3% (1,000 total)
--- 25.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,753,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#35. Kanawha County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.6% (23,130 total)
--- 15.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (6,820 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,562,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
--- 15.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (6,820 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $11,562,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
#34. Mason County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.8% (3,420 total)
--- 17.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.5% (1,120 total)
--- 33.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,658,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
--- 17.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.5% (1,120 total)
--- 33.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,658,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
#33. Taylor County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.9% (2,170 total)
--- 18.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (690 total)
--- 38.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,109,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
--- 18.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (690 total)
--- 38.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,109,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.99
#32. Greenbrier County
- Food insecurity rate: 12.9% (4,530 total)
--- 18.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4% (1,270 total)
--- 26.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,337,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 18.3% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4% (1,270 total)
--- 26.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,337,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#31. Jackson County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.3% (3,840 total)
--- 22.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4% (1,150 total)
--- 26.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,883,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
--- 22.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4% (1,150 total)
--- 26.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,883,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.87
#30. Monroe County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (1,800 total)
--- 22.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.5% (510 total)
--- 33.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $929,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
--- 22.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.5% (510 total)
--- 33.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $929,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.02
#29. Wood County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.4% (11,420 total)
--- 22.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.3% (3,460 total)
--- 32.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,430,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.78
--- 22.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.3% (3,460 total)
--- 32.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $5,430,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.78
#28. Tyler County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.7% (1,210 total)
--- 25.7% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.9% (350 total)
--- 36.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $606,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
--- 25.7% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.9% (350 total)
--- 36.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $606,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
#27. Upshur County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.8% (3,380 total)
--- 26.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (1,020 total)
--- 38.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,694,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
--- 26.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.2% (1,020 total)
--- 38.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,694,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
#26. Raleigh County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.8% (10,390 total)
--- 26.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.4% (3,350 total)
--- 46.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,871,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.74
--- 26.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.4% (3,350 total)
--- 46.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,871,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.74
#25. Hampshire County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (3,230 total)
--- 27.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.9% (940 total)
--- 43.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,689,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
--- 27.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.9% (940 total)
--- 43.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,689,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.06
#24. Randolph County
- Food insecurity rate: 13.9% (4,040 total)
--- 27.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.6% (1,090 total)
--- 34.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,048,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.97
--- 27.5% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.6% (1,090 total)
--- 34.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,048,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.97
#23. Nicholas County
- Food insecurity rate: 14.1% (3,530 total)
--- 29.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.5% (1,150 total)
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,741,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
--- 29.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.5% (1,150 total)
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,741,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.89
#22. Pocahontas County
- Food insecurity rate: 14.3% (1,210 total)
--- 31.2% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.1% (340 total)
--- 58.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $604,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
--- 31.2% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.1% (340 total)
--- 58.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $604,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
#21. Ritchie County
- Food insecurity rate: 14.4% (1,420 total)
--- 32.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.5% (460 total)
--- 61.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $690,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
--- 32.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.5% (460 total)
--- 61.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $690,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
#20. Barbour County
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (2,440 total)
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.5% (720 total)
--- 47.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,216,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.5% (720 total)
--- 47.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,216,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.92
#19. Cabell County
- Food insecurity rate: 14.7% (13,870 total)
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (3,460 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,784,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 34.9% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5% (3,460 total)
--- 26.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $6,784,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#18. Wirt County
- Food insecurity rate: 15.0% (870 total)
--- 37.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.0% (280 total)
--- 57.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $421,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.83
--- 37.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.0% (280 total)
--- 57.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $421,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.83
#17. Lewis County
- Food insecurity rate: 15.3% (2,480 total)
--- 40.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.6% (810 total)
--- 61.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,232,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
--- 40.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.6% (810 total)
--- 61.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,232,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
#16. Wetzel County
- Food insecurity rate: 15.7% (2,430 total)
--- 44.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.5% (780 total)
--- 67.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,229,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 44.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.5% (780 total)
--- 67.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,229,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#15. Fayette County
- Food insecurity rate: 15.8% (6,890 total)
--- 45.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.9% (2,150 total)
--- 63.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,374,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 45.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.9% (2,150 total)
--- 63.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,374,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#14. Mercer County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.0% (9,570 total)
--- 46.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.6% (2,900 total)
--- 61.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,844,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
--- 46.8% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.6% (2,900 total)
--- 61.6% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $4,844,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.96
#13. Braxton County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.1% (2,280 total)
--- 47.7% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.7% (720 total)
--- 76.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,114,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 47.7% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.7% (720 total)
--- 76.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,114,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
#12. Summers County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.5% (2,120 total)
--- 51.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.7% (550 total)
--- 76.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,031,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
--- 51.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.7% (550 total)
--- 76.0% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,031,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.84
#11. Lincoln County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.8% (3,510 total)
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.3% (1,190 total)
--- 73.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,887,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.3% (1,190 total)
--- 73.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,887,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.15
#10. Boone County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.8% (3,760 total)
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.2% (1,170 total)
--- 65.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,776,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.76
--- 54.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.2% (1,170 total)
--- 65.8% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,776,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.76
#9. Wayne County
- Food insecurity rate: 16.9% (6,830 total)
--- 55.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.4% (1,970 total)
--- 60.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,169,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.71
--- 55.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.4% (1,970 total)
--- 60.3% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $3,169,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.71
#8. Webster County
- Food insecurity rate: 17.0% (1,430 total)
--- 56.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.0% (420 total)
--- 71.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $717,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
--- 56.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.0% (420 total)
--- 71.2% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $717,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.93
#7. Roane County
- Food insecurity rate: 17.0% (2,380 total)
--- 56.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.3% (730 total)
--- 66.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,183,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
--- 56.0% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 24.3% (730 total)
--- 66.4% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $1,183,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.91
#6. Wyoming County
- Food insecurity rate: 18.1% (3,850 total)
--- 66.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.5% (1,180 total)
--- 81.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,078,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
--- 66.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 26.5% (1,180 total)
--- 81.5% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,078,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.16
#5. Logan County
- Food insecurity rate: 18.6% (6,160 total)
--- 70.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.8% (1,750 total)
--- 76.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,866,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.72
--- 70.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 25.8% (1,750 total)
--- 76.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,866,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.72
#4. Calhoun County
- Food insecurity rate: 19.9% (1,450 total)
--- 82.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 29.3% (420 total)
--- 100.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $686,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.77
--- 82.6% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 29.3% (420 total)
--- 100.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $686,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.77
#3. Clay County
- Food insecurity rate: 20.3% (1,770 total)
--- 86.2% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 28.9% (570 total)
--- 97.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $877,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
--- 86.2% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 28.9% (570 total)
--- 97.9% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $877,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.90
#2. Mingo County
- Food insecurity rate: 20.5% (4,970 total)
--- 88.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 29.6% (1,600 total)
--- 102.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,658,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
--- 88.1% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 29.6% (1,600 total)
--- 102.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,658,000
--- Cost per meal: $3.13
#1. McDowell County
- Food insecurity rate: 22.5% (4,190 total)
--- 106.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 34.7% (1,330 total)
--- 137.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,048,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
--- 106.4% higher than national average
- Child food insecurity rate: 34.7% (1,330 total)
--- 137.7% higher than national average
- Annual food budget shortfall: $2,048,000
--- Cost per meal: $2.86
