Study reveals substantial percentage of New Kent, Charles City population at risk for hunger

By Community Member | May 14, 2014 3:37 pm

A recent study concludes that a substantial portion of the population in Charles City and New Kent counties stands at risk for hunger.

In Charles City, 14.4 percent of the county’s population (1,040 individuals) and 12.4 percent of the county’s children (160) fall into the at-risk category, according to the study.

In New Kent, the figures are 7.8 percent of the county’s population (1,450) and 11.9 percent of the children (490). 

The study is dubbed Map the Meal Gap 2014 and was conducted by Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks that includes FeedMore, which coordinates efforts in 36 Central Virginia localities with programs such as the Central Virginia Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and the Community Kitchen.

The overall study reveals that 205,000 individuals in FeedMore’s service area – including 51,440 children – do not always know where they will find their next meal. In all, over 13% of Central Virginians struggle with hunger, according to the research.

“Studies like Map the Meal Gap 2014 allow FeedMore to continue to evaluate and adjust to the need in our area,” said Jeff Baldwin, media and public relations manager for FeedMore, in a press release. “The research data shows that hunger continues to be a reality for thousands of our neighbors.”

Map the Meal Gap 2014 is a detailed analysis of food insecurity done by Feeding America and the only study available that provides county–level estimates of food insecurity in the United States. Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as a socioeconomic condition of limited or uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life. Additional data available in the Map the Meal Gap study include weekly food-budget shortfalls, demographics and poverty levels.

Food insecurity numbers in FeedMore’s service area include:

Richmond- 21.7% of the population and 21.2% of children – 44,510 individuals and 8,310 children;

Chesterfield County- 9.4% of the population and 11.8% of children – 29,930 individuals and 9,650 children;

Henrico County- 12.5% of the population and 13.7% of children – 38,480 individuals and 10,140 children;

Hanover County- 7.5% of the population and 12.1% of children – 7,460 individuals and 2,990 children;

Prince George County- 11.3% of the population and 12.7% of children – 4,080 individuals and 1,040 children;

Sussex County- 18.1% of the population and 10.5% of children – 2,190 individuals and 210 children;

James City County- 8.9% of the population and 14.3% of children – 5,990 individuals and 2,050 children;

Surry County- 13.9% of the population and 13.9% of children – 970 individuals and 180 children;

King William County- 9.7% of the population and 13.5% of children – 1,540 individuals and 530 children;

Petersburg- 25.4% of the population and 21.2% of children – 8,180 individuals and 1,450 children;

Hopewell- 18.8% of the population and 21.1% of children – 4,220 individuals and 1,230 children;

Colonial Heights- 11.2% of the population and 15.3% of children – 1,950 individuals and 590 children.

“Hunger is a pervasive and solvable problem plaguing every corner of America today,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “By continuing to provide extensive and revealing data like the 2014 Map the Meal Gap study, we will be able to tackle these issues head-on and be armed with the information needed to work towards making sure everyone has enough to eat.”

Research for the study was supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, ConAgra Foods Foundation and Nielsen.

The Map the Meal Gap 2014 analysis was developed by Dr. Craig Gundersen for Feeding America. Food-insecurity rates are based on a state-level model that allows for estimation of the population in need of food at the county and congressional district level. Additionally, Feeding America worked in collaboration with Nielsen to arrive at estimates for food-cost variation by county. Results were reviewed by the Feeding America Technical Advisory Group in order to ensure accuracy and promote transparency.

A summary of the findings, an interactive map of the United States, and the full report are available at feedingamerica.org/mapthegap.

The study also reveals that 46% of the food-insecure population in FeedMore’s service area lives below the SNAP threshold of 130% poverty and 61% of children are eligible for federal nutrition programs, like free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast.

“No one should have to worry about where they will find their next meal,” added Baldwin. “We are confident Central Virginia will continue to rally together and help us ensure that no child, family or senior goes hungry in our region.”

For additional information about FeedMore programs and services, visit www.feedmore.org.