Research

Mapping hunger at a local level

Three Square Food Bank and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, released its most recent Map the Meal Gap study in 2022. This study accurately reflects who is truly hungry at the local community level by taking into consideration such factors as the unemployment rate, federal food assistance eligibility rates, and the average cost of a meal. Other key findings include:

  • 14.9 percent – The percentage of the population in Clark County who are food insecure. Three Square’s service area also includes three rural counties: Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye. Though the rural population is smaller, the food insecurity rate in each county ranges between 9.6-16.3%.
  • 54.9 million – The number of meals needed each year to close the gap between the need for food and what is currently made available through federal nutrition programs and charitable organizations.
  • $3.39 – The average price of a meal in Clark County. Rural communities in Nevada often have an even higher average meal cost than their urban counterparts.

Food insecurity maps 

Three Square Census

The 2014 census report details the food needs of vulnerable populations in Southern Nevada, as well as the reach and impact of nutrition assistance services. Data in the census is drilled down to the neighborhood level to examine need and service utilization. The census marks the first major report on hunger and hunger-relief efforts in Southern Nevada in five years, and it celebrates the fifth anniversary of food insecurity maps by ZIP code in the greater Las Vegas Valley.  

1$ = 6 Meals

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Three Square Food Bank (Three Square) is registered with the Secretary of State and qualified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a member of Feeding America. Established in 2007, Three Square is Southern Nevada’s only food bank and the area’s largest hunger-relief organization. Our mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. Your charitable contribution to Three Square is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.