Key Indicators – Polk County
Source: flhealthcharts.gov, 2023
Last updated: 09/06/25 2236
Maps – Food Security
Map – Food Insecurity (All Ages)
The food insecurity rate is the percent of the population with poor access to grocery stores and other healthy food outlets.
Polk County’s food insecurity rate is similar to the statewide food insecurity rate for Florida at 13.2%.
Map – Childhood Food Insecurity (0-18 years)
The childhood food insecurity rate is the percentage of children that live in a household without adequate access to grocery stores, produce stands, or other healthy food sources.
At 20.8%, Polk County’s childhood food insecurity rate is nearly identical to the median rate for Florida counties, 21.0%.
Source: Child Food Insecurity Rate, FLhealthcharts.gov, 2023
Map – Population Living Within 0.5 Miles of Healthy Food Source
16.1% of Polk County’s population lives within 0.5 miles of a healthy food source, a higher percentage than 73% of Florida counties.
Source: Population Living Within One-Half Mile of a Healthy Food Source, FLhealthcharts.gov, 2023
Map – Limited Access to Healthy Food
With 13.4% of its population experiencing limited access to healthy food, Polk County’s rate is among the highest in Florida; in fact, 79% of Florida counties have a lower percentage of residents facing this challenge.
Source: Health Data, Polk, FL, countyhealthrankings.org, 2025
Map – Cash Assistance / SNAP Benefits
15.3% of Polk County residents receive food stamps, SNAP benefits, or cash assistance. The median rate for the state of Florida is 14.0%. 55% of Florida Counties have a lower percentage of residents receiving SNAP benefits.
Source: Households Receiving Cash Public Assistance or Food Stamps (Census ACS), FL healthcharts.gov, 2023
Map – Free & Reduced Lunch
52.1% of Polk County students are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch, this rate is lower than 57% of Florida Counties.
Source: Health Data, Polk, FL, countyhealthrankings.org, 2025