The underlying data sources used for calculating the food insecurity estimates differ: Conduent HCI uses Claritas data sets, while the Map the Meal Gap methodology utilizes US Census Bureau data from the American Community Survey (ACS), Current Population Survey (CPS), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more information on the Map the Meal Gap methodology and data sources, please contact Feeding America.
Conduent HCI utilizes Claritas datasets because it is imperative to utilize data from the most recent time periods available. Additionally, HCI’s Food Insecurity Index component variables closely match current literature and data regarding food insecure households, which includes but is not limited to head of household demographics, household expenditures, perceived health status, and health insurance enrollment.