Hunger in NYS

Hunger remains a persistent and prevalent reality for many New Yorkers.

USDA’s most recent Household Food Security report revealed that 14% of New York households experienced food insecurity from 2022-2024, a 36% increase compared to 2019-2021. Nationally, 13.7% of households experienced food insecurity, with significantly higher rates among households with children (18.4%) and Black and Hispanic households (24.4% and 20.2%, respectively). County- and district-level data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap report underscore that hunger exists in every part of the state, from rural communities in the North Country to every borough of New York City.

These statistics represent real New Yorkers struggling to meet their most basic needs—children who go to bed hungry, seniors forced to choose between buying groceries and picking up their prescriptions, and parents who do without so their children can have enough to eat.

Hunger is unacceptable and solvable. Federal nutrition programs—including SNAP, WIC, school meals, childcare meals, and summer and afterschool nutrition programs—are proven to reduce food insecurity. Hunger Solutions New York works to connect more New Yorkers with these critical programs. Learn how you can help.