Latest 'Map the Meal Gap' Report Shows Food Insecurity In Southern Nevada Is On The Rise
More than 341,000 Southern Nevadans, including one in five children, to experience food insecurity this year
LAS VEGAS, May 16, 2024 – Three Square Food Bank announced the release of Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap study, which shows an alarming trend throughout Southern Nevada: food insecurity is on the rise and continues to be a top issue for many struggling families.
The annual study revealed there are 341,480 – or one in seven– food-insecure individuals in Southern Nevada, an increase of 67,050 people since last year. The food insecurity rate across Three Square’s entire service area – which includes Clark, Lincoln, Nye and Esmeralda counties – is now 14.7%, up from 12%.
The study also shows that 22% of children in Southern Nevada – or one in five, which equates to 115,520– are living in food-insecure households. This is up from 17.8% in 2023.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as limited or uncertain access to enough food to live an active, healthy life.