Food Deserts in Alabama
12.1% of Alabama households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024, close to the national average of 13.7%. 13.7% of households received SNAP benefits.
Alabama at a glance
Sources →Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)
12.1%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
Very low food security
4.6%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
SNAP receipt rate
13.7%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Poverty rate
15.6%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Median household income
$63,999
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Households without a vehicle
5.4%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Understanding Alabama's food security landscape
Alabama's food insecurity rate of 12.1% is near the national average. The headline figure, however, encompasses substantial internal variation: rural counties often face both higher rates and greater geographic barriers to food access than urban areas in the same state.
With a poverty rate of 15.6% and SNAP receipt at 13.7%, the federal safety net is reaching a significant portion of households in need, though eligibility rules and benefit levels leave many just outside program access.
Transportation access gap
5.4% of Alabama households have no vehicle. For these families, the USDA's 1-mile urban or 10-mile rural threshold for LILA classification translates into a practical barrier to fresh food, regardless of what grocery stores exist nearby.
Food assistance resources
PantryPath lists food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Alabama. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.
Find pantries in Alabama →Data notes
- Food insecurity rates are 3-year rolling averages (2022-2024) from USDA ERS ERR-358.
- SNAP and poverty data from Census ACS 5-year estimates (2020-2024).
- Health indicators are age-adjusted prevalence from CDC PLACES 2025 release.
- State rates are population-weighted averages of county estimates.
Health indicators linked to food access
Age-adjusted prevalence from CDC PLACES 2025. Population-weighted from county estimates.
Adult obesity
39.6%
CDC PLACES, 2023
Diagnosed diabetes
12.7%
CDC PLACES, 2023
High blood pressure
39.6%
CDC PLACES, 2023
Frequent mental distress
18.2%
CDC PLACES, 2023
County map
67 counties
Poverty, SNAP receipt, median income, and health-outcome rates for every county in Alabama. Click a metric above the map to switch. Hover any county for details.
Loading county map…
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) for poverty, median household income, and SNAP receipt; CDC PLACES 2025 release (2023 BRFSS) for obesity, diabetes, and mental distress.
Need food assistance in Alabama?
PantryPath lists local food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Alabama. Free, no login required. Updated regularly.
Find pantries in Alabama →