The latest Map the Meal Gap national report from Feeding America has found the number of families and individuals in New Jersey deemed as “food insecure” continues to rise, nearing close to 1 million people. The latest tally is 992,800, a 22% increase since last tabulated. That’s close to 1 in 9 residents, with the proportion even higher among children. Cumberland County stands out as especially hard hit, according to the report.

NJ Spotlight News has been exploring New Jersey’s hunger challenges and potential steps to address them at part of its ongoing Change Project.