Did you know 40% of San Mateo County families are food insecure, yet ineligible for benefits? National standards and thresholds for who needs help does not account for local high costs of living. Two studies dig into this trend deeper: A 2014 Report on County and Congressional District Food Insecurity and County Food Cost in the United States shows how medical expenses, living in a high-cost area, and underemployment may contribute to households’ struggles to meet food needs. And secondly, a recent study in the Journal of Poverty shows household and income stability seem to be essential prerequisites for avoiding food insecurity among children.