FOOD INSECURITY The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service defines food security and food insecurity as follows: Food security for a household means all members, at all times, have access to enough food needed to live an active, healthy life. Food security includes at a minimum: The ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. Assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways (without resorting to emergency food supplies, scavenging, stealing or other coping strategies). Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. However, according to Feeding America, many people who do not meet the definition of food insecurity still seek out resources from the charitable food sector. Some of the causes cited by Feeding America that lead to food insecurity include poverty and unemployment, lack of affordable housing, chronic health conditions, and racism and discrimination. When individuals experience food insecurity it can affect physical and mental health, well-being, and participation in school and work. The chart below outlines 2021 food insecurity statistics in Payne County. Two data points to note are the average meal costs (higher in Payne County compared to the state) and the differences in SNAP benefit eligibility. While 59% of food-insecure individuals in Payne County are eligible for SNAP benefits, 41% of food-insecure individuals are not eligible due to being above the SNAP 130% of the federal poverty line. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, 14.9% of households in Oklahoma receive SNAP benefits compared to 11% of households in Payne County.
Payne County
Oklahoma
561,640
11,450
Food Insecure Population
United Way Partner
14.1%
14%
Food Insecurity Rate
$3.59
$3.37
Average Meal Cost* Estimated SNAP eligibility among food insecure people
38%
59%
$334,213,000
$7,254,000
Annual budget shortfall**
Fig. 11, Source: Feeding America
*The average weekly dollar amount food-secure individuals report spending on food, as estimated in the Current Population Survey, divided by 21 (assuming three meals a day, seven days a week). This amount has been adjusted to reflect local food prices and relevant taxes. **The total annualized additional dollar amount that food-insecure individuals report needing, on average, to purchase just enough food to meet their food needs. This amount is based on responses in the Current Population Survey and the USDA assumption that individuals in food-insecure households experience food insecurity, on average, seven months out of the year. This amount has been adjusted to reflect local food prices and relevant taxes.
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