FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 30, 2026) – Newly released Map the Meal Gap data from Feeding America paints a sobering picture for Kentucky: hunger is rising, with more than 837,000 Kentuckians (1 in 5) now experiencing food insecurity.
The latest figures confirm findings from Feeding Kentucky’s most recent statewide hunger study, which shows families across the Commonwealth are increasingly struggling to afford enough food as household costs continue to climb.
“I hope no one is numb to these numbers, or to this information, because hunger is no longer a problem affecting a small portion of our population,” said Melissa McDonald, Feeding Kentucky Executive Director. “Hunger in Kentucky is an economic development problem that we need to solve if we want kids to succeed in school and adults to excel in the workforce.”
According to Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap report, Kentucky’s food insecurity rate increased to 18.2% from 16.6% in 2023. This is an increase of 80,000 people in just one year, with 837,100 Kentuckians unsure where their next meal will come from.
The report also highlights troubling increases among Kentucky’s most vulnerable populations:
– 1 in 4 Kentuckians lack the nutrition they need to grow and thrive
– 1 in 8 Kentucky seniors (60+) and 1 in 6 older adults (50-59) do not have consistent nutrition access.
“The national rankings should be a concern to all of us if we want Kentucky to excel in other areas,” McDonald said. “We are #6 for overall food insecurity; #6 for child food insecurity; and #4 for senior food insecurity.” McDonald continued, “Every percentage point represents thousands of Kentuckians making impossible choices between rent, groceries, medicine and utilities. The good news is we know what works – investments in nutrition assistance, strong charitable partnerships, and policies that strengthen household stability make a measurable difference.”
Earlier this year, Feeding Kentucky released the first comprehensive statewide hunger study in more than a decade, offering a new look into the attitudes, behaviors, and barriers Kentucky families face when trying to put food on the table.
Conducted in partnership with IQS Research and funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and private donations, the study found that food insecurity in Kentucky is being driven less by food availability and more by affordability, transportation challenges, and the difficult financial tradeoffs families are forced to make every month.
The research provides one of the most detailed looks in over 10 years at:
– How Kentucky families actually experience food insecurity
– The financial decisions households are making to survive
– Which programs families rely on most
– The barriers that still prevent families from getting help
Feeding Kentucky’s network of food banks continues to work alongside community partners across the Commonwealth to meet the growing demand, while advocating for long-term solutions that will address the root causes of hunger.
To join us in this work or to learn more, visit FeedingKentucky.org.
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About Feeding Kentucky:
Feeding Kentucky is the state’s largest charitable response to hunger, working collectively to create a hunger-free Kentucky. Our network of seven Feeding America food banks provides food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties. Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, we reach an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year. We focus on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from our Kentucky farmers, and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of our neighbors. Guided by our vision, we want all people in Kentucky to have access to enough food to thrive.
