CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — People who are struggling to put food on the table are facing another hurdle. It’s now costing even more, the highest in 20 years according to Feeding America’s newly released annual “Map the Meal Gap” study.

The high prices are affecting people across the country, and right here in Central Illinois.

Almost $25 dollars a week, that’s how much more money those facing food insecurity need per week, per person, in order to have enough food on their table. Making it harder than ever before for families to get nutritious food.

In Central Illinois, several counties are facing higher percentages of food insecurity.

And in the last year, the study shows that food insecurity has risen about 34% in our area. Which is a huge difference, and that really confirms the sustained, elevated need that we’re seeing in our area,” explained Sophie Becker, communication & engagement manager for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

Vermillion, Edgar, Macon, Christian, Morgan, Pike, Hancock, and McDonough counties are all seeing a 13-14 percent food insecurity rate. Other countries such as Schuyler county are seeing a 16 percent rate.

The Eastern Illinois Food Bank serves 18 counties.

About 1 in 8 people in our service area of 18 counties are experiencing hunger. And in Vermillion County we have the highest rate of child food insecurity, which is one in four children. Coles County is having the highest rate of overall food insecurity at 16 percent of their population,” said Becker.

At the Salvation Army of Vermillion County, officials say the majority of people they see are those with children, but keeping up with the constant demand can be a challenge.

We realize, you know, how important it is for kids to have proper nutrition and health, how that impacts them and their daily living, and it is indeed a challenge.” said Lieutenant Katherine Reid, Corps Officer for the Vermillion County Salvation Army. “We get a lot of people in and if we don’t have enough to meet that it’s a challenge for us.

Both Eastern Illinois Food Bank and the Vermillion County Salvation Army have seen an over 50 percent increase in people new and repeating. Reid explained that they had to increase the frequency of their food pantry to keep up with the demand.

Food banks say they don’t expect the increased need is going anywhere anytime soon. Especially with grocery prices still rising and with summer now in session, families will be stretching their budget even more because they don’t have reliable school meals.