New findings from the Arkansas Health Survey food insecurity report show that 28.8% of adult Arkansans — approximately 688,000 people — lack consistent, reliable access to nutritious food needed for a healthy life.
The survey, a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, provides one of the most detailed looks at health conditions across the state.
Researchers say the figure is about 10% higher than previous estimates, which already ranked Arkansas among the highest in the nation for food insecurity.
“When families are concerned about where their next meal is going to come from, it spills over into every other aspect of their life and health,” said Don E. Willis, assistant professor in human development and family sciences.
Unlike many statewide surveys, the Arkansas Health Survey uses the six-item U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module, offering a more comprehensive measurement of hardship.
County-level data shows six counties — Lee, Union, Lincoln, Sebastian, Crittenden and Columbia — report adult food insecurity rates of 32% or higher. At the census-tract level, 200 tracts exceed 35%, with more than half located in urban areas.
The survey collected nearly 10,000 responses and measures more than 30 health indicators across 823 census tracts statewide.
Interactive maps will be available later this month through the AR-COMPASS dashboard. Researchers say the annual survey will be critical as federal food insecurity monitoring changes in the future.
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