State Policy · NH
New Hampshire Child Food Insecurity Rises to 15.5% in 2024
Child food insecurity in New Hampshire increased from 36,160 children (14.5%) in 2023 to 38,430 children (15.5%) in 2024, according to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report. Coös County experienced the highest rate at 22.1% of children food insecure, while Rockingham County had the lowest at 11.6%. The state remains below the national average of 19.5%. Data on the impact of 2025 federal SNAP restrictions—including tighter work requirements, benefit reductions, and migrant eligibility changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—will not be available for several years due to federal reporting delays.
Why it mattersRising child food insecurity affects Medicaid-enrolled populations disproportionately, as many children receiving SNAP also qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, creating operational touchpoints for state agencies coordinating benefits and addressing social determinants of health.
Also covered by:newhampshirebulletin.com