Ozarks Food Harvest reports food insecurity rates have increased in southwest Missouri

Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study shows 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 adults face hunger

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study estimates that food insecurity rates have increased from 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults to 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 adults in Ozarks Food Harvest’s service area. That means an estimated 214,000 people, including 62,000 children, experienced food insecurity in 2024.

Food insecurity rates were found to be highest in rural counties where people face additional barriers to food access, including fewer food pantries and meal programs nearby as well as a lack of transportation to grocery stores. Twenty-one of the 28 southwest Missouri counties Ozarks Food Harvest serves are rural, including Oregon, Ozark and Hickory counties where the food insecurity rate is 1 in 4 adults.

Using 2024 data, the study also indicates that the meal gap has widened. An estimated 40 million meals are now needed annually to ensure people in the Ozarks have enough food — a 50% increase compared to just three years ago.

“Food insecurity is not a distant problem — it is present in every community in southwest Missouri," said Bart Brown, president and CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. “This study helps us understand the difficult choices families have to make, especially as grocery, housing and childcare costs remain high.”

In southwest Missouri, food prices increased 20% over the last five years. The study also estimates that nearly half of all people experiencing food insecurity in the Ozarks don’t qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

As hunger rates remain high and the demand for food increases, Ozarks Food Harvest is asking the community for help so children, families and seniors can continue to access food.  

Map the Meal Gap, now in its 16th year, is the only study that provides local-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs for every county and congressional district. Although the USDA has stopped collecting food security data, Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs in the future.

To learn more about how food insecurity impacts people in southwest Missouri, visit FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap. For more information about Ozarks Food Harvest, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org.

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About Ozarks Food Harvest — The Food Bank

Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, serving 270 community and faith-based charities across a third of Missouri. The Food Bank reaches 90,000 individuals monthly and provides more than 23 million meals annually. Learn more at ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest or twitter.com/ozksfoodharvest.

About Feeding America

Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.