New data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study reveals that food insecurity in Georgia has reached critical levels, with 1 in 6 people—including 1 in 5 children—experiencing food insecurity in 2024. The study, which provides county-level estimates, shows that rural communities are disproportionately affected: more than 8 out of 10 counties with the highest estimated rates of food insecurity nationally are rural, including Heard, Floyd, and Polk counties in the Atlanta Community Food Bank's service area.
In the 29 metro Atlanta and North Georgia counties served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, over 900,000 people, including more than 293,000 children, faced food insecurity last year. Rates range from 10.2% in Henry County to 20.9% in Heard County. Nationwide, 84% of counties with the highest food insecurity are in the South, a trend mirrored in Georgia where counties like Haralson, Hall, Spalding, and Union also report high levels.
“More of our neighbors are having to make difficult choices to make ends meet and are struggling to put food on their tables,” said Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “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.”
A key finding of the study is that approximately 64% of people experiencing food insecurity in Georgia had incomes too high to qualify for federal nutrition assistance like SNAP. In the Food Bank's service area, more than 68% of those facing hunger may not qualify for SNAP, up from 61% in 2023. Among children, 40% may not qualify for free or reduced-price meals, up from 32% the previous year. This gap highlights the growing strain on families as food prices remain high and federal supports decline.
The study also found disparities by race and ethnicity. While most people experiencing food insecurity nationally are white non-Hispanic, Black and Latino individuals face disproportionately higher rates. In Georgia, 11% of white individuals, 27% of Black individuals, and 19% of Latino individuals experienced food insecurity in 2024.
Food secure individuals reported spending an average of $3.70 per meal in 2024, 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 higher cost of living in urban areas. The Atlanta Community Food Bank serves over 700 community-based partners across 29 counties, distributing the equivalent of one billion meals in 2023.
Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study relies on data from the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the USDA has stopped collecting food security data, prompting Feeding America to explore alternative data sources for future estimates. The study is supported by Conagra Brands Foundation, Enterprise Mobility Foundation, and NielsenIQ/NIQ.
The implications for business and technology leaders are significant. Persistent food insecurity affects workforce productivity, healthcare costs, and economic stability. Companies may face challenges in recruiting and retaining employees in affected regions, while technology firms have opportunities to develop solutions for food distribution, data analytics, and supply chain efficiency. The rising number of families ineligible for federal aid underscores the need for private-sector partnerships and innovative approaches to address hunger.
For more information on how food insecurity impacts your community, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap.
