Earlier this month, Feeding America revealed new state-level data on child food insecurity for kids under the age of 5. The study revealed that Arkansas, Texas and Arizona have the highest rates of child food insecurity in the country at nearly 25 percent. Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2006-2008 was funded by the ConAgra Foods Foundation, Feeding America’s exclusive Leadership Partner in the Fight to End Child Hunger. The study also names Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, Florida and Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia, at the top of the list.

In addition, the study includes regional data on food insecurity. In the South, more than one in five children or nearly 22 percent of young children are food insecure – the highest rate in the nation. The Western region of the country has the second highest rate of young child food insecurity at nearly one in five, or 19.6 percent. The Midwest has a rate of more than one in six, or 18.6 percent; and the Northeast has a rate of nearly one in seven, or 13.7 percent.

These estimates are expected to rise over the coming years as the full impact of the economic downturn is taken into account. Now, more than ever, Feeding America needs your help to provide a better future for our neighbors down the street and across the nation. Find out how you can get involved and help end child hunger here.