Hunger is a universal feeling, but in some states, it takes on a whole new level of intensity. The term “hangry,” a blend of hungry and angry, perfectly encapsulates the mood when cravings go unmet.
Understanding which states experience the highest levels of this phenomenon provides insight into regional food access and cultural attitudes toward dining.
We’ll explore the ten hangriest states in America. From the bustling cities to the quiet towns, these areas showcase the unique challenges residents face when it comes to satisfying their appetites.
Whether it’s due to economic factors or culinary culture, these states reveal an intriguing look at how hunger impacts daily life and community dynamics.
1: Maine
Maine tops the list as the hangriest state in America. With just 3.1 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, access to quick meals is limited.
The state also faces a concerning double-digit percentage of diabetes among its population. These factors, combined with well-protected lunch break laws, contribute to residents’ challenges balancing hunger with health.
2: Mississippi
Mississippi ranks as one of the hangriest states due to economic challenges and limited lunch break laws. It has 86 Walmarts, providing affordable food access for many.
Yet, without any state requirement for businesses to offer employees lunch breaks, workers often juggle hunger and job demands. Consequently, this lack of respite can lead to increased hangriness among the population.
3: Alaska
Alaska ranks high on the hangriest states list, struggling with food access. It has only nine Walmarts and a mere 2.6 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, making quick meal options scarce.
Also, break laws apply only to those under 18, leaving many adults without protections, exacerbating their hunger challenges. These factors create a uniquely difficult environment for Alaskans facing hunger.
4: Vermont
Vermont struggles with hunger due to its limited food options. It has just 1.9 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, offering few quick meals.
With only six Walmarts statewide, affordable grocery access is scarce. Also, the break laws are vague, stating employees must receive “reasonable opportunity” for meal breaks, leaving many without timely food relief.
5: South Dakota
South Dakota faces significant challenges contributing to its hangry status. The state has a diabetes rate of 10.6%, indicating widespread health issues linked to food access.
Residents also experience the absence of break laws for employees, even for underage workers.
This lack of mandated meal breaks forces many to manage hunger while balancing work demands, amplifying their hangry feelings throughout the day.
6: Idaho
Idaho ranks as one of the hangriest states, facing notable food access challenges. It has only 27 Walmarts and 3.8 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, limiting quick meal options.
Also, 10.3% of adults in the state have diabetes, further intensifying hunger-related issues. These factors contribute to a cycle of hangry feelings among Idahoans daily.
7: West Virginia
West Virginia ranks as a hangry state with 5.3 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, supported by 44 Walmarts offering food access.
Despite this, 15.7% of residents aged 18 and older have diabetes, leading to increased hunger and irritability. Economic factors and food availability create significant challenges for West Virginians facing hunger daily.
8: Oregon
Oregon ranks as one of the hangriest states in America, driven by limited fast food options with just 3.6 establishments per 10,000 residents.
Oregonians frequently search online for information about hunger-related issues, indicating widespread concern.
Also, economic factors contribute to food access challenges that exacerbate feelings of hunger and hangriness across the state.
9: Montana
Montana grapples with unique hunger challenges due to its lack of break laws. Its 16 Walmarts provide limited access to affordable food options across the vast state.
With only 7.6% of adults diagnosed with diabetes, Montana avoids severe health repercussions but still faces significant hunger issues.
The absence of structured meal breaks intensifies hangry feelings, particularly among those juggling long work hours.
10: Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks as one of the hangriest states in America, with only 2.5 fast food joints per 10,000 residents.
Over 10% of Rhode Islanders aged 18 and older have diabetes, highlighting significant health concerns linked to hunger.
Limited meal choices and economic barriers exacerbate the struggle against hunger, leaving many residents feeling hangry throughout their daily routines.
Alicia Richards