Food insecurity is not just a statistic, it's a harsh reality for many New Yorkers. According to a recent analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, one in nine households (11.3% or 875,000 families) in New York were unable to access sufficient food at some point during 2020 through 2022 due to financial constraints. These are not just numbers, they represent families, children, and individuals who are struggling to put food on their tables, despite the claims of economic recovery.
DiNapoli's follow-up analysis revealed a significant jump in food insecurity compared to previous years, where one in ten households (800,000 families) faced similar challenges from 2019 through 2021. Nationally, the food insecurity rate also climbed to 11.2% from 2020 through 2022, indicating a broader economic struggle despite recovery narratives.
As the COVID pandemic subsided, so did the vital federal benefits that were instrumental in helping families afford food. This coincided with a surge in living costs, leading to a rise in food insecurity. State Comptroller DiNapoli noted, "These benefits played a crucial role in reducing food insecurity, but the reality is that many New York households still face hunger due to economic pressures." This underscores the importance of such federal benefits in times of crisis.
Data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau echoes these concerns, showing increased food insufficiency among New York households through 2023. Particularly alarming are the rates among households with children, with as many as 16% facing food insufficiency in 2022. Although recent data suggests a slight decline, approximately one in nine households with children in New York continues to struggle with food shortages.
During the pandemic, New Yorkers relied on temporary increases in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which saw a surge in recipients reaching 3 million by early 2023. However, as the pandemic eased, these benefits came to an end, and living costs skyrocketed. This double blow put additional strain on struggling families, exacerbating the issue of food insecurity.
State Comptroller DiNapoli urged federal authorities to expand nutrition assistance programs, emphasizing the need to prevent hunger crises amidst economic recoveries. The State Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 reflects efforts to address food insecurity, with funding allocated for school lunch programs, hunger prevention initiatives, and the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children. Despite these efforts, ongoing economic challenges and high living costs continue to impact New Yorkers, highlighting a stark contrast between recovery claims and the daily struggles of many residents. This disparity is a cause for concern and calls for immediate action.