Maine has the highest rate of hungry children in New England.

That’s according to a new report by Feeding America, which found that more than 20 percent of children in Maine experienced food insecurity in 2023.

The study found that 13.8 percent of Mainers overall experience food insecurity, or nearly 192,000 people.

It estimates the state’s annual food budget shortfall is over $136,600,000.

Nationally, the average meal cost is $3.58, while that cost is slightly higher here in Maine, with a meal costing $3.76 on average.

Feeding America says cuts to USDA food programs and threats to SNAP benefits will make the situation worse.