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Food Deserts in Delaware

10.8% of Delaware households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024 — below the national average of 13.7%. Even in states with lower overall rates, pockets of concentrated food insecurity persist.

Delaware at a glance

Sources →

Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)

10.8%

USDA ERS, 2022-2024

Very low food security

4.5%

USDA ERS, 2022-2024

SNAP receipt rate

10.7%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Poverty rate

10.4%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Median household income

$84,954

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Households without a vehicle

6.2%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Understanding Delaware's food security landscape

Delaware's food insecurity rate of 10.8% is below the national average of 13.7 percent. Lower overall rates do not eliminate concentrated hardship: rural counties, Native American communities, and urban neighborhoods in most states contain pockets of food insecurity well above the state average.

A median household income of $84,954 provides some indication of the economic cushion available to most households, though income alone does not determine food access. State-level averages can mask significant county-to-county variation. Use the county breakdown below to identify areas of concentrated need.

Transportation access gap

6.2% of Delaware 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 Delaware. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.

Find pantries in Delaware →

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.
Full methodology →

County map

3 counties

Poverty, SNAP receipt, median income, and health-outcome rates for every county in Delaware. Click a metric above the map to switch. Hover any county for details.

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Lower
Higher Hover a county for details

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 Delaware?

PantryPath lists local food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Delaware. Free, no login required. Updated regularly.

Find pantries in Delaware →