Indiana's Agricultural Exports vs. Local Food Insecurity

Indiana is home to 6.97 million people and has a significant agricultural industry, but many Hoosiers struggle with food insecurity. According to a study by Feeding America in 2023, one in seven people in Indiana face barriers to accessing food, including 1 in 5 children.

The state's farmland covers around 63% of its land area, or approximately 14.7 million acres, and Indiana is a major exporter of soybeans, corn, and grain. In 2019, the state exported over $1.5 billion worth of soybeans, with this number increasing to over $2 billion by 2023.

However, despite its agricultural prowess, much of the food consumed in Indiana is imported from other states or countries. According to a 2012 analysis by Ken Meter, around 90% of the state's food is imported, and Hoosiers spend an estimated $14.5 billion per year on groceries.

Food insecurity has serious health consequences, including malnutrition, obesity, and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. Registered dietician Laura Jordan notes that when people skip meals or rely on cheap, non-nutritious food, their health is put at significant risk.