The New York State Department of Health today released a report on food insecurity, Self-Reported Food Insecurity Among New York State Adults by County, BRFSS 2021, which shows the counties with the highest rates of food insecurity among adults are the Bronx, Queens, Kings, Herkimer, and Oswego. Food insecurity is characterized by limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to limited economic resources. The full report can be found here.
“No one should have to go hungry,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Hunger stresses the body and mind, and can result in malnutrition, inability to concentrate, anxiety, and depression. In addition, adults who experience food insecurity are more likely to report chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. The Department remains committed to fighting hunger and promoting health across this state.”
The report highlights self-reported food insecurity data among adults across New York State, including:
- Among New York City boroughs, the percentage of adults who experience food insecurity is highest in the Bronx (39 percent) and lowest in Richmond County (22.1 percent).
- Counties outside of New York City with the highest percentage of adults who experience food insecurity are Herkimer (28.8 percent) and Oswego (26.2 percent).
- Counties outside of New York City with the lowest percentage of adults who experience food insecurity are Wyoming (11.2 percent), Columbia (12.3 percent), and Lewis (12.5 percent).
According to the report, approximately one in four adults (24.9 percent) in New York State experience food insecurity. Within New York State, the percentage of adults who report that they are food insecure varies by county and ranges from 11.2 percent to 39 percent. Adults experiencing food insecurity have a higher probability of several chronic diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease, the report indicated.
The Department administers several programs that support increasing food and nutrition security across the State.
The Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program supports a network of more than 2600 emergency food providers who distribute healthy food and fresh produce to individuals who request assistance. The Nourish New York Initiative administered by the Department in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Markets provides funding to support the purchase and distribution of New York State grown or produced items, including dairy products and produce.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) serves more than 425,000 individuals through the provision of breastfeeding support, nutrition education, supplemental nutritious food benefits, and health care referrals.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program offers free, nutritious foods to adults aged 60 years of age and older. Approximately 36,000 older adults participate in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program monthly. During the summer months, participants also receive additional benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is available in New York City and Long Island only. The program's goal is to improve the health of low-income individuals who are at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious United States Department of Agriculture foods.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program is a nutrition education and meal reimbursement program that helps providers serve nutritious and safely prepared meals and snacks to children and adults in daycare settings. The Child and Adult Care Food Program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture and continues New York's commitment to promote the health and well-being of its residents. All children and adults who attend programs such as childcare centers, community-based adult centers, afterschool programs, homeless shelters, and family daycare programs receive meals.
More information on the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program can be found here.
More information about the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children can be found here.
More information on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program can be found here.
More information about the Child and Adult Care Food Program can be found here.