Data Definitions / Missouri Hunger Atlas

For general information about indicators and measures used in Hunger Atlas, please refer to the FAQ page.

Jump to: Background County Profile Indicators Need Indicators Performance Indicators Need v. Performance

Background

State Trends

Statewide estimates provide an overall picture of how Missouri is trending on food insecurity and hunger and enable comparisons between years. In the Browse Data feature, select Missouri (statewide) only.

Households food insecure

Estimated percent of households food insecure

Source(s): USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Households with very low food security

Estimated percent of households food insecure

Source(s): USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

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County Profile Indicators

Demographic

Demographics describe the characteristics of a county’s population at a point in time, and provide context for understanding more of the story behind each county’s need and performance indicators.

Total population

Number of people of all ages

Source(s): Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent population under 18 years

Percent of population under 18 years of age

Source(s): Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Population under 18 years

Population under 18 years of age

Source(s): Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent population over 64 years

Percent of population 65 years of age or older

Source(s): Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Population over 64 years

Population 65 years of age or older

Source(s): Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Health

Health indicators signal a county's health status, which is closely correlated with food insecurity. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension prevalence rates offer important clues about the extent of local residents experiencing food insecurity or hunger.

Obesity

Percent of population 18 years of age and older that is obese (Body Mass Index greater than 30)

Source(s): Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, MO Department of Health and Senior Services; Missouri Public Health Information Management System (MOPHIMS), Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Diabetes

Percent of population 18 years of age and older who've been told by doctor they have diabetes

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Hypertension

Percent of population 18 years of age and older who've been told by doctor they have high blood pressure

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Economic

Economic indicators provide estimates of the number of county residents who may be affected by hunger. Poverty is the best predictor of food insecurity in the United States. Median household income, unemployment rate, and percent of single-parent households are also closely associated with food insecurity. Food affordability provides an additional insight as the percent of average weekly income households must use to cover basic food costs.

Percent of population below poverty

Percent of population living at or below 100% of poverty rate

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number of population below poverty

Number of population living at or below 100% of poverty rate

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Under 18 years of age below poverty

Percent of population under age 18 living at or below 100% of poverty rate

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Over 64 years below poverty

Percent of population 65 years of age or older living at or below 100% of poverty rate

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Median household income

Average household income

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Unemployment rate

Average unemployment rate

Source(s): Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Single parent households

Percent of households headed by single parent not currently married or living with a spouse

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Food affordability

Percent of average weekly median household income to cover average cost of meals calculated by Feeding America

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Quick Facts, U.S. Census Bureau; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

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Need Indicators

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity indicators provide county-level information on the extent and depth of food insecurity and hunger.

Percent individuals food insecure

Estimated percent of total population food insecure

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent individuals food insecure category

Estimated percent of total population food insecure rank category

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number individuals food insecure

Estimated number of total population food insecure

Source(s): Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent children under 18 in food insecure households

Estimated percent of total population under age 18 living in food insecure households

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent children under 18 in food insecure households rank category

Percent of children under 18 in food insecure households rank category

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number children under 18 in food insecure households

Number of children under 18 in food insecure households

Source(s): Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent individuals food insecure with hunger

Estimated percent of total population food insecure with hunger

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor; Household Food Insecurity in the United States, USDA Economic Research Service; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent individuals food insecure with hunger rank category

Estimated percent of total population food insecure with hunger rank category

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number individuals food insecure with hunger

Estimated number of total population food insecure with hunger

Source(s): Household Food Insecurity in the United States, USDA Economic Research Service; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Population and Housing Unit Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

SNAP (Food Stamp Program)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest nutrition assistance program. Also known as Food Stamps, the program provides benefits to individuals and households with incomes below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to purchase eligible food at authorized grocery stores. (Note: In 2019 only, household income less than 125% FPL -- instead of 130% -- was used to compensate for disqualifying criteria and overestimation of eligibility. 2019 SNAP data are not directly comparable to those found in the 2013 and 2016 editions.)

Number total population income eligible for SNAP

Estimated number of total population income eligible for SNAP (Food Stamp Program)

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent total population income eligible for SNAP

Estimated percent of total population income eligible for SNAP (Food Stamp Program)

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent total population income eligible for SNAP rank category

Estimated percent of total population income eligible for SNAP (Food Stamp Program) rank category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number under 18 income eligible for SNAP

Estimated number of total population under age 18 income eligible for SNAP

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent under 18 income eligible for SNAP

Estimated percent of total population under age 18 income eligible for SNAP

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent under 18 income eligible for SNAP rank category

Estimated percent of total population under age 18 income eligible for SNAP rank category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) directly addresses child hunger, promotes good nutrition, and supports the development of low-income children with long-term health and educational outcomes.

Percent of students enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch (NSLP)

Percent of students enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch, part of the National School Lunch Program

Source(s): Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of students enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch (NSLP) rank category

Percent of students enrolled in free and reduced-price lunch, part of the National School Lunch Program, rank category

Source(s): Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Women, Infants, Childen (WIC) Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrion Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional food and education and other services to low-income women and families who are at nutritional risk with income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

Number of children under five income eligible for WIC

Number of total infants and children under 5 years of age eligible to receive WIC benefits

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of children under five income eligible for WIC

Percent of total infants and children under 5 years of age eligible to receive WIC benefits

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of children under five income eligible for WIC rank category

Percent of total infants and children under 5 years of age eligible to receive WIC benefits rank category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Overall Need Rank

Overall need assigns counties to categories by the level of food insecurity and eligibilty for hunger relief programs. Overall need combines the weighted ranks of county-level food insecurity, and resident eligibility for SNAP, National School Lunch Program, and WIC.

Overall need rank category

Overall need rank score composite from percents of food insecurity, SNAP eligibility, NSLP enrollments, and WIC eligibility (rank category)

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

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Performance Indicators

SNAP (Food Stamp Program)

Number of average monthly participants in SNAP

Average number of total residents who used Food Stamps each month

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent total population participating in SNAP

Average percent of total population who used Food Stamps each month

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent total population participating in SNAP rank category

Average percent of total population who used Food Stamps each month rank category

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent income eligible and participating in SNAP

Percent of residents eligible for Food Stamps who participated in program

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Missouri Department of Social Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent income eligible and participating in SNAP rank category

Percent of residents eligible for Food Stamps who participated in program rank category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Missouri Department of Social Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number of monthly participants under 18 in SNAP

Average number of residents under age 18 who used Food Stamps each month

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of population under 18 participating in SNAP

Average percent of residents under age 18 who used Food Stamps each month

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of population under 18 participating in SNAP rank category

Average percent of residents under age 18 who used Food Stamps each month rank category

Source(s): Missouri Department of Social Services; U.S. Census Bureau

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) directly addresses child hunger, promotes good nutrition, and supports the development of low-income children with long-term health and educational outcomes.

Percent of students enrolled and participating in NSLP

Percent of students enrolled and participating in free and reduced-price lunch (NSLP)

Source(s): Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of students enrolled and participating in NSLP rank category

Percent of students enrolled and participating in free and reduced-price lunch (NSLP) rank category

Source(s): Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Women, Infants, Childen (WIC) Program

Number of children under 5 participating monthly in WIC

Average monthly number of infants and children enrolled in WIC program

Source(s): Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number of women participating monthly in WIC

Average monthly number of women participating in WIC program

Source(s): Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Number of total participants monthly in WIC

Average monthly total participants in WIC program

Source(s): Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of eligible children under 5 participating in WIC

Percent of eligible infants and children under 5 years participating in WIC program

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Percent of eligible children under 5 participating in WIC rank category

Percent of eligible infants and children under 5 years participating in WIC program rank category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Food Bank Distributions

Food bank distributions is a measure of the volume of food collected and distributed to low-income individuals and families, reflecting the degree of community capacity and organized response to food insecurity.

Pounds of food distributed

Total pounds of food distributed (including USDA commodity foods) from regional food banks to food pantries

Source(s): Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri; Harvesters: The Community Food Network; Operation Food Search; Ozarks Food Harvest; Saint Louis Area Food Bank; Second Harvest Community Food Bank; Southeast Missouri Food Bank

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Pounds of food distributed per capita below poverty level

Total pounds of food distributed per capita of individuals with income below 100 percent of Federal poverty level to food pantries by regional food banks

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri; Harvesters: The Community Food Network; Operation Food Search; Ozarks Food Harvest; Saint Louis Area Food Bank; Second Harvest Community Food Bank; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; Southeast Missouri Food Bank

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Pounds of food distributed per capita below poverty level rank category

Total pounds of food distributed per capita of individuals with income below 100 percent of Federal poverty level to food pantries by regional food banks rank category

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

Overall Performance Rank

Overall performance assigns counties to categories by the performance of key food insecurity and hunger relief programs. Overall performance combines the weighted ranks of county-level SNAP, National School Lunch Program, and WIC participation, and food distribution to residents below the poverty level.

Overall peformance rank category

Overall performance rank composite score from percent eligible and participating in SNAP, NSLP, WIC, and pounds of food distributed per capita of individuals below poverty category

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri; Harvesters: The Community Food Network; Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ; Missouri Department of Social Services; Operation Food Search; Ozarks Food Harvest; Saint Louis Area Food Bank; Second Harvest Community Food Bank; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; Southeast Missouri Food Bank

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

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Need v. Performance

Comparing Need and Performance

Comparing need and performance assigns counties to categories by their rankings on overall need and performance.

Overall need vs. performance category

Rank of county on comparison of need (low/high) and performance (low/high)

Source(s): American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor; Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri; Harvesters: The Community Food Network; Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America; Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services ; Missouri Department of Social Services; Operation Food Search; Ozarks Food Harvest; Saint Louis Area Food Bank; Second Harvest Community Food Bank; Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau; Southeast Missouri Food Bank; USDA Economic Research Service

Available for atlas years: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2023

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