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Food Deserts in Kansas

12.5% of Kansas households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024, close to the national average of 13.7%. 6.8% of households received SNAP benefits.

Kansas at a glance

Sources →

Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)

12.5%

USDA ERS, 2022-2024

Very low food security

4.9%

USDA ERS, 2022-2024

SNAP receipt rate

6.8%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Poverty rate

11.3%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Median household income

$74,275

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Households without a vehicle

5.1%

Census ACS, 2020-2024

Understanding Kansas's food security landscape

Kansas's food insecurity rate of 12.5% 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 11.3% and SNAP receipt at 6.8%, 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

5.1% of Kansas 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 Kansas. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.

Find pantries in Kansas →

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 →

Health indicators linked to food access

Age-adjusted prevalence from CDC PLACES 2025. Population-weighted from county estimates.

Adult obesity

37.0%

CDC PLACES, 2023

Diagnosed diabetes

10.1%

CDC PLACES, 2023

High blood pressure

31.6%

CDC PLACES, 2023

Frequent mental distress

16.6%

CDC PLACES, 2023

County map

105 counties

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

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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 Kansas?

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

Find pantries in Kansas →