WASHINGTON, DC – Rural households use food pantries at higher rates, making local food banks an important part of the food security system in many farming communities. A new Federal report also finds many eligible households still do not know assistance is available nearby.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service says about 98 percent of U.S. counties have a food pantry. However, only 59 percent of surveyed food-insecure households knew of one in their area, and just 29 percent received free groceries.
Food pantry use varied widely by State in 2021. Rates ranged from 2.6 percent in New Hampshire to more than 8 percent in New Mexico, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Rural households, low-income families, and single mothers with children used pantries more often.
Federal food programs supplied as much as 39 percent of food distributed through the banking system. Two USDA programs provided more than $639 million in food during fiscal year 2022.
The findings suggest access alone does not guarantee participation. Improving awareness could help more rural families connect with available food assistance.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Better outreach could help food-insecure rural households find and use nearby food pantries.