A LOOK AT HUNGER IN COLORADO
Increased cost of living and inflation continue to put an additional strain on individuals and families across our state. Many are struggling due to low incomes, lack of affordable housing, chronic health conditions, and other life storms – and such circumstances can lead to difficult choices like having to pay rent instead of purchasing nourishing foods.
Hunger affects people’s physical and mental health, children’s development and academic success, and older adults’ ability to age in place – all of which, in turn, directly impact a community’s health and well-being.
People of all ages, zip codes, backgrounds, and abilities may lack reliable access to affordable, healthy food to thrive. But, we know that people of color and non-native English speakers face higher rates of hunger due to long-standing racial disparities that must be fully acknowledged, addressed, and removed from our food systems.
Here’s a snapshot of what hunger looks like in Colorado:
More than 1 in 11 people in Colorado (9.2%) don’t have reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious foods to support their health and well-being. Black (14%) and Latine (16%) residents are disproportionately impacted.
Map the Meal Gap 2023, Feeding America, 2021 data
Nearly 2 in 5 Coloradans (38%) are worried about affording food. Higher rates were reported among those who identify as Black (39%), Latine (47%), and Indigenous (55%).
Pulse Poll, The Colorado Health Foundation, 2023
About 1 in 7 people in Colorado (14%) have skipped meals because they could not afford food. Latine (19%), Black (22%), multiracial (28%), and Indigenous (55%) community members are more impacted.
Pulse Poll, The Colorado Health Foundation, 2023
Nearly 1 in 10 children across Colorado (10.5%) lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Map the Meal Gap 2023, Feeding America, 2021 data
More than 1 in 6 Colorado families (17%) reported that their children were not eating enough because food was unaffordable.
KIDS COUNT! in Colorado 2023, Colorado Children’s Campaign, 2022 data
About 1 in 12 older adults in Colorado (8.2%) who are at least 50 lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
State of Senior Hunger in America 2023, Feeding America, 2021 data
$1.98/meal is the average SNAP benefit per person in Colorado, which is about $1.74 less than the average cost of a meal ($3.72) in Colorado.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Facts for Colorado 2023, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, 2022 data; Map the Meal Gap 2023, Feeding America, 2021 data