Food insecurity is particularly prominent in rural counties, with some having rates considerably higher than the State average of 16%.  Rural Phillips County, for example, has a rate of 21% and 5 of the east Arkansas rural counties adjacent to the Mississippi River have rates of at least 18 percent.

Food Insecurity in Arkansas, 2021

Data Source: Feeding America

While food deserts can be found throughout the entire State, they are particularly prevalent in rural counties.

Food deserts in Arkansas, 2015

Data Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service

An estimated 16% of Arkansans suffer from food insecurity, although this rate varies considerably by different regions in the State.  Food insecurity has a disproportionate impact upon children as it can permanently change a child’s brain development, resulting in learning difficulties and poor social skills.

Food deserts, places where convenience stores and fast food restaurants provide the main source of food for residents in these areas, are a main cause of hunger and increase the risk of obesity in children and adults.