Report says food insecurity is increasing in Monroe County and statewide

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Hunger is soaring in New York State just ahead of the holidays.

That’s according to a new report by Hunger Free America. It says the number of people without enough food over a one-week period spiked by 35% in New York State and 30% nationwide over the last year.

The non-profit looks at federal data and determined the cause of the increase has to do with the expiration of the child tax credit and free school meals, combined with inflation.

“What this report really emphasizes is the challenges that our community members face,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “When you think about what it means to not have access to food, food is anti-poverty, food is public health, food is public safety, food is economic development. When you don’t have to worry about where that next meal is coming from you can focus that energy, you can focus on the other things that you need to be successful.”

The data collected by Hunger Free America shows an increase in food insecurity here in Monroe County as well.