Map the Meal Gap Report
Map the Meal Gap 2026
According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2026 report, 649,820 people, or 1 in 7 neighbors, across Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s seven-county service area are experiencing food insecurity. This includes 178,020 children, or 1 in 5 kids. The 2026 estimates are based on 2024 data.
Food insecurity increased across Central Florida. Overall food insecurity rose in all seven counties, and child food insecurity increased by at least one percentage point in every county.
Who Is Most Impacted
Hunger affects people of all backgrounds, but some groups experience it at higher rates. Across Central Florida, 1 in 5 kids are experiencing food insecurity. Rates are highest in Marion, Volusia, Osceola and Orange counties.
Food insecurity affects 27% of Black residents, 18% of Hispanic residents and 11% of white, non-Hispanic residents across the region. These disparities reflect broader barriers to opportunity that can make it harder for individuals and families to access the food and resources they need.
Among older adults in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, 5.2% of seniors ages 60+ and 6.5% of adults ages 50–59 experience food insecurity.
The Cost of Hunger
High food and household costs continue to put pressure on family budgets. Central Florida’s annual meal gap is now 123.4 million meals, a 10.6% increase from the previous year. Orange County alone accounts for 42.8 million meals, nearly one-third of the regional gap.
At the same time, 38.9% of Central Floridians experiencing food insecurity may not qualify for SNAP based on household income alone. This estimate does not include people who may lose eligibility because of more recent federal policy changes to SNAP.
What This Means for Central Florida
These findings help Second Harvest understand where hunger is increasing and where resources are needed most. By using local data to guide food distribution, school partnerships, nutrition programs and other hunger relief efforts, Second Harvest can better respond to the needs of neighbors across Central Florida.
Stories of Hope
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Meet the neighbors, partners and volunteers who bring our mission to life. These stories highlight how your support helps fight hunger, fuel futures and strengthen communities
— one meal at a time.
A Healthy Start to the New School Year
Food gave Destiny Hope, Love and a Community
Sandwiched Between Kids and Parents, Florida’s Caregivers Struggle to Get By
$10 a month helps provide 40 meals
Hope starts with you.
