MADISON, Wis., August 26, 2026 – Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is highlighting new data from Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study, which shows a significant increase in the number of families, children, and seniors considered food-insecure across southwestern Wisconsin.

The data shows that within Second Harvest’s 16-county service area, 169,310 people of all ages are considered food-insecure (1 in 8 people), a 16% increase over last year’s figures. The number of children under 18 considered food-insecure has risen sharply to 50,840 (1 in 5 children), up 28% from last year.

The new data also shows a dramatic increase in food insecurity over time. Across the four most recent annual Map the Meal Gap reports, the number of people considered food-insecure in southwestern Wisconsin has increased by 92%.

For a family of four considered food-insecure, the annual food budget shortfall is $2,864, illustrating the gap many families face between what they can afford and the cost of having enough nutritious food for everyone in the home.

“These numbers reinforce what we’re hearing from our network of resource providers every day: more and more families are needing support in our community,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “Behind these numbers are our neighbors who are having to make difficult choices about how to put food on the table. The need is significant, but there is also tremendous strength in our community. The only way we can meet the needs of families facing food insecurity is through the support and commitment of our entire community.”

Second Harvest is the largest hunger-relief organization in southwestern Wisconsin and a member of the Feeding America network. Working with nearly 300 local partners and programs, Second Harvest helps provide food to families through food pantries, mobile pantries, school markets and other programs across its 16-county service area.

In fiscal year 2026, Second Harvest and its network supported nearly 664,000 visits by local families and distributed more than 26 million pounds of food.

The Map the Meal Gap data provides critical local insight that can help Second Harvest, community partners, and policymakers better understand the scope of food insecurity and work together on solutions.

About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Since 1986, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin has been working with hundreds of local agencies and partners across 16 counties. We are southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, distributing tens of millions of pounds of food each year. Through food acquisition and distribution, advocacy, community partnerships, and the support of thousands of volunteers, we are making our vision of ensuring everyone in our community has access to enough nutritious food to thrive a reality. For more information, visit SecondHarvestSW.org.