Hunger Study Takeaways
Survey Report: Food Assistance and Hunger in Indiana
From the Indy Hunger Network
Released Feb ‘24, 835 participants
Food Need is Widespread
One million Hoosiers need food assistance, at a time of near record low unemployment
Hunger is Common
40% of these households go hungry in any given week
Had been 23-29% in prior studies
Rural vs. Urban
Hunger looks the same regardless of geography
Stigma is an Issue
Half of survey respondents reported feeling they were looked down on or disrespected by those helping them.
Hunger in Indianapolis – Huge, Persistent, and Worse Now
Food need impacts one quarter of Marion County, ~250,000 people
Includes households from deep poverty to >200% of Federal Poverty Level, and all demographics.
Majority of food need households go hungry at some point during year
Only 38% had food needs met throughout the year
Thus, more than 90% remain food insecure despite extensive food assistance
Nutrition is Poor
Good Nutrition Costs More
One quarter (25%) rarely or never eat nutritious meals
Only 6% always eat nutritious meals.
Nutrition is not Getting Better
Across 6 studies in Marion County from 2014 to 2023 no improvement seen in percent who often could not afford to eat balanced meals
Food Insecurity is High
Nearly 90% of food needs met, yet 92% remain food insecure
Food insecurity is connected to poorer health, lower academic outcomes, lower worker productivity, increases in crime
The Working Hungry 