MERIDIAN, ID – Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap report shows a concerning rise in food insecurity across Idaho, with rural counties bearing the highest rates of hunger. According to the 2025 report, 12.7% of Idaho residents — approximately 250,260 people — are food insecure. The percentage of children facing food insecurity is even higher, with 16.2% (75,640 children) affected.
The Idaho Foodbank, a member of Feeding America’s nationwide network, highlighted the growing need for hunger relief as the report indicates a statewide increase from last year, when 11.4% of Idahoans and 14.5% of children were estimated to be food insecure.
“The latest Map the Meal Gap report reaffirms what we have been seeing across Idaho — that more of our neighbors are reaching out for support,” said Randy Ford, President and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank. “We remain committed to ensuring that every Idahoan has access to the food they need to thrive.”
The report uses data from the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is the only study offering local-level food insecurity estimates for every county in the nation.
Key regional findings include:
- North and North Central Idaho: 14.7% of residents and 21% of children are food insecure.
- Eastern Idaho: 12.8% of residents and 16.5% of children are food insecure.
- Southwest Idaho: 13% of residents and 17% of children are food insecure.
Counties with the highest overall food insecurity include Lewis (17.6%), Butte (16.9%), and Shoshone (16.6%). For children, the highest rates were in Lewis (25%), Shoshone (24.8%), Boundary (24%), and Clearwater (23.4%) counties.
Additionally, 63% of food-insecure Idahoans have incomes too high to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), underscoring gaps in the current support system.
More details and an interactive map are available at FeedingAmerica.org/MaptheMealGap.
