Study says 17.9% of all children in the South Michigan Food Bank coverage area are still food insecure

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Results of a new study show child food insecurity continues to affect all eight counties served by the South Michigan Food Bank, which includes Branch County.

Feeding America’s annual “Map the Meal Gap” study was released May 14 and found that 34,070 children, or 17.9% of all children in the South Michigan Food Bank’s coverage area, are food insecure. The organization serves Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, and St. Joseph counties.

The South Michigan Food Bank is part of the Feeding America network, which serves every county in the United States. The organization serves Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, and St. Joseph counties.

The study provides local-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs for every county and congressional district.

It builds on the USDA’s recent report, which showed that 47 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2023, the highest rate in more than a decade.

Peter Vogel, CEO of the South Michigan Food Bank, said. “Hunger remains an urgent crisis in South Michigan. When we listen to people facing hunger and use the study’s findings, we can unite in our efforts to create a future where everyone, including children, has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”

In South Michigan, 15.1% of all residents (131,510) and 17.9% of children (34,070) served by the South Michigan Food Bank are food insecure.

The study says statewide, 15.4% of all individuals are food insecure.

While federal programs SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) aim to assist, the study estimates that 63% of individuals experiencing food insecurity may not be eligible for those benefits.