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Hunger Surges Across Central and Eastern Kentucky as More Than 314,000 Neighbors Experience Food Insecurity
Lexington, KY — New data from Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study paints a sobering picture of hunger across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Based on 2024 data, the study estimates that 314,490 people (20.3% of the population) across the 50 counties served by God’s Pantry Food Bank experience food insecurity, highlighting the ongoing challenges Kentuckians face in accessing food.
The report also found that one in four children in Central and Eastern Kentucky are food insecure, underscoring the disproportionate impact hunger continues to have on young people and their families.
Among the 50 counties served by God’s Pantry Food Bank, some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation are found in Eastern Kentucky. Owsley and Magoffin counties rank among the 10 most food-insecure counties in the United States, while Wolfe, Breathitt, and Knox counties join them among the nation’s top 25. Overall, 10 counties within God’s Pantry Food Bank’s service area rank among the 50 most food-insecure counties nationwide.
“Food insecurity is not a distant problem—it exists in every community we serve,” said Danielle Bozarth, Interim President & CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank. “Behind every statistic is a child, a senior, a veteran, or a working family forced to make impossible choices between food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. Map the Meal Gap helps us understand the scope of need across Central and Eastern Kentucky and reinforces why our mission remains so critical.”
In Central and Eastern Kentucky, the annual meal gap has grown to 59.7 million meals, representing the number of meals missing each year for neighbors who do not have consistent access to the food they need to live healthy, productive lives. Closing that gap will require sustained support from community partners, volunteers, donors, and food assistance programs that help families meet their basic needs.
Across Kentucky, the study found that 837,100 people experience food insecurity. Among older adults, 13.1% of Kentucky seniors (1 in 8) are food insecure.
The study’s findings reflect the growing strain many households continue to face as the costs of food, fuel, housing, healthcare, and other essentials remain high. For working families, seniors living on fixed incomes, and residents of rural communities, rising transportation costs and limited access to resources can make it increasingly difficult to consistently obtain nutritious food.
Key findings from the 2026 Map the Meal Gap study include:
· Every county in Kentucky is home to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
· Food insecurity affects people in urban and rural communities alike, though rural counties continue to experience some of the highest rates.
· One in five people, and one in four children, in God’s Pantry Food Bank’s service area experiences food insecurity.
· Eastern Kentucky counties continue to rank among the most food-insecure communities in both the Commonwealth and the nation.
“Map the Meal Gap helps shine a light on the realities our neighbors are facing every day,” Bozarth said. “When we know where hunger exists and who it affects, we can work more effectively with donors, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners to create meaningful, long-term solutions.”
To learn how food insecurity impacts your community, visit: FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap. For more information about God’s Pantry Food Bank and how to help end hunger in Central and Eastern Kentucky, visit godspantry.org.
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About God's Pantry Food Bank:
In Central and Eastern Kentucky, 1 in 5 people are unsure where their next meal is coming from. God’s Pantry Food Bank empowers more than 500 food pantries and meal programs across 50 counties. Our vision: A nourished life for every Kentuckian. Our mission: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Visit godspantry.org to learn more.
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.
