Food security costs at a new high in the last 20 years

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Feeding America's annual Map the Meal Gap study found that one in nine people in the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York's service area live with food insecurity. The amount of money people facing hunger said they need for enough food has reached its highest point in 20 years.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York serves 23 counties. In one year, there's been an increase of roughly 90,000 residents experiencing food insecurity in the 23 counties they serve, and the food bank said the study emphasizes the need for action.

The Map the Meal Gap study is dedicated to researching food insecurity and costs in every county and congressional district. The study references national and state data from the USDA's latest report, which shows an increase in food insecurity due to the end of pandemic-era programs and high food prices.

CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Tom Nardacci, said the new statistics are profoundly troubling and confirm their and 1,000 partnering agencies' feelings. "Neighbors in need are being forced to make hard choices between household expenses – rent, electricity, childcare, transportation, health care bills. And mostly, they have had to choose to buy less food," he said.

Nardacci added that hunger is an epidemic, and the data is coming at a time when donations are dwindling year after year. "We need more support right now to support neighbors in need from all levels of government, from philanthropic organizations and caring individuals," he said.