The 2026 Virginia Hunger Study reveals that 42% of Virginia households experienced food insecurity over the past year, with Southwest Virginia recording a rate of 55%. Released on Sept. 21, the survey is the first statewide look at the issue since the U.S. Department of Agriculture discontinued its annual state-level estimates in 2025, filling a critical data gap for food banks and policymakers.
2026 Virginia Hunger Study Reveals 55% Food Insecurity Rate in Southwest Virginia
Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago with support from researchers at Virginia Tech, the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study surveyed more than 5,600 Virginians. The research was commissioned by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, the Virginia Department of Social Services, and No Kid Hungry Virginia. Results show that the statewide food insecurity rate stands at 42%, while Southwest Virginia reaches 55%. Among families with children in the Southwest region, that figure climbs to 70%.
The findings were discussed on Friday at Feeding Southwest Virginia’s 2026 Agency Conference in Roanoke. The event, themed “Uniting Communities,” gathered approximately 100 agency partners from multiple counties and cities across the greater Roanoke and Salem region to review updated data and participate in training sessions.
Economic Pressure and the Local Impact of Inflation
Inflation is driving significant strain for food-insecure residents across the commonwealth. According to the study, 87% of food-insecure adults reported that higher-than-usual grocery and food prices caused major financial strain, compared to 42% of food-secure adults.
Stacy Talley, executive director of Stepping Stone Mission in Rocky Mount, noted that soaring living costs force clients to make difficult daily trade-offs. Stepping Stone Mission serves meals seven days a week and operates a food pantry. Talley explained that while people have historically lived paycheck to paycheck, current prices keep families trapped in a cycle where basic needs remain out of reach.
Health Consequences and SNAP Utilization Gaps
The new research highlights a strong correlation between food insecurity and negative health outcomes. Among surveyed adults experiencing food insecurity, 76% reported a diagnosis of at least one chronic condition, and 60% reported visiting an emergency room or urgent care facility at least once within the prior year.
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains low relative to need. The study found that only 27% of food-insecure Virginia households surveyed were enrolled in SNAP. Researchers identified several barriers to enrollment, including income thresholds, social stigma, lack of awareness, and administrative challenges.
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