New data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study reveals that food insecurity remains a pervasive crisis across Georgia, with 1 in 6 residents—including 1 in 5 children—experiencing food insecurity in 2024. The study, released by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, highlights that rural communities bear the brunt of the problem, with more than 8 out of 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of food insecurity nationally being rural. In the 29 counties served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, nearly 14% of residents are food insecure, with rates ranging from 10.2% in Henry County to 20.9% in Heard County.
Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the scale of the crisis: "More of our neighbors are having to make difficult choices to make ends meet and are struggling to put food on their tables. In our service area, nearly 14% of our neighbors are food insecure." The study found that approximately 64% of people experiencing food insecurity in Georgia had incomes too high to qualify for federal nutrition assistance, such as SNAP, leaving them without a vital bridge to maintain stability. In the Food Bank's 29-county service area, more than 68% of people facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP, up from 61% in 2023, and 40% of children facing hunger may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, up from 32% in 2023.
The findings underscore the impact of persistently high food prices and declining federal supports. Nationwide, individuals who were food secure in 2024 reported spending an average of $3.70 per meal, but meal costs vary significantly by county, ranging from $2.56 to $6.28. In Fulton County, the average cost per meal is $4.68, reflecting the growing need seen at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The study also reveals stark disparities by race and ethnicity: In Georgia, 11% of white individuals, 27% of Black individuals, and 19% of Latino individuals experienced food insecurity in 2024.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank serves over 700 community-based partners in 29 counties, helping thousands of families, children, and seniors get healthy food each year. However, the study indicates that the need continues to rise. In the Food Bank's service area, over 900,000 people, including over 293,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024. The number of children facing food insecurity rose to 19.2% from 16.5% in 2023. "The Map the Meal Gap numbers help us understand the scale of this crisis as we work with lawmakers, donors, suppliers and our partners to ensure that Georgia residents have access to healthy, nutritious food," Waide said.
Although the USDA has stopped collecting food security data, Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs. The organization is collaborating with a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, state-wide associations, and regional co-ops to explore alternative data sources for future estimates. The Map the Meal Gap study is supported by the Conagra Brands Foundation, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, and NielsenIQ/NIQ. Additional key takeaways and an interactive map detailing food insecurity by geography, income, race, and ethnicity can be found on the Map the Meal Gap website.
For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank and how to help end hunger in metro Atlanta and North Georgia, visit acfb.org.
