Hunger

As Thanksgiving Approaches, Study Shows Over 1.4 Million New Yorkers Are Still Food-Deprived

By John Surico Wed., Nov. 21 2012 at 11:17 AM
Categories: Hunger, Hurricane Sandy, John Surico

foodshelter.jpeg
The day before Thanksgiving is a day of travel and settlement. Penn Station and Port Authority are packed with nomadic New Yorkers, leaving by bus or train to visit family and friends for the big day, and cabs are all headed to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airports to drop off the rambunctious New Yorkers, taking off on a jet plane for the big day.

However, for many of the New Yorkers that remain, the day's huge feast isn't as lavish. According to a report put out by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger on Monday, one in six residents of the metropolis do not have sufficient food leading up the biggest food day of the year. And, as we know, Sandy didn't make the situation much better.

Before the storm hit, 1.4 million residents were food-deprived; that number has risen in past weeks to nearly 1.5 million people. The study also shows that one in four children suffer from this as well as one in ten seniors. However, the organization does make the effort to point out that the volunteer efforts have done extraordinary work to fend off the hunger crisis post-Sandy. 

But, needless to say, the problem still remains for millions.

Using Food Bank of NYC data, The Daily News reported that the city's food stamp enrollment has skyrocketed by 64 percent since the Great Recession began in 2008. As of today, 1.8 million people rely on the program to eat - a main group included in the Coalition's study. Also, the awareness points its attention to the Bronx, where pantries are running out of food fast with more visitors every day.

Keep in mind that Thanksgiving finds meaning in its name. Make a giving effort; I'm sure 1.4 million New Yorkers will say "Thanks."

For a full read of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger's study, click here. Also, it's not too late to donate your time; you can find out how here.

[jsurico15@gmail.com/@JSuricz]

Tags:

food stamps, homeless shelters, hunger, hurrican sandy, sandy, thanksgiving
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