Food Deserts in Louisiana
17.7% of Louisiana households were food insecure on average over 2022-2024 — above the national average of 13.7%. 6.8% experienced very low food security, meaning disrupted eating patterns.
Louisiana at a glance
Sources →Food insecurity rate (3-yr avg)
17.7%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
Very low food security
6.8%
USDA ERS, 2022-2024
SNAP receipt rate
17.3%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Poverty rate
18.9%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Median household income
$60,756
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Households without a vehicle
8.4%
Census ACS, 2020-2024
Understanding Louisiana's food security landscape
Louisiana's food insecurity rate of 17.7% places it among the higher-rate states in the country. Food insecurity at this level reflects systemic pressures: housing costs consuming a growing share of family budgets, wage growth lagging behind food price inflation, and in many parts of the state, significant distances to full-service grocery stores.
A poverty rate of 18.9% means a substantial share of Louisiana residents are operating near or below the federal poverty line, where even small income disruptions can push a family into food insecurity. SNAP receipt (17.3% of households) provides a critical safety net but cannot fully compensate for transportation gaps or the higher cost of food in rural and underserved areas.
Transportation access gap
8.4% of Louisiana 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 Louisiana. No login required. Updated regularly with hours and contact information.
Find pantries in Louisiana →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
40.1%
CDC PLACES, 2023
Diagnosed diabetes
13.4%
CDC PLACES, 2023
High blood pressure
39.5%
CDC PLACES, 2023
Frequent mental distress
20.2%
CDC PLACES, 2023
County map
64 counties
Poverty, SNAP receipt, median income, and health-outcome rates for every county in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana?
PantryPath lists local food pantries, food banks, and community resources across Louisiana. Free, no login required. Updated regularly.
Find pantries in Louisiana →