14-05-2025
Foodlink addresses rise in food insecurity in Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — According to a recent report by Feeding America, food insecurity continues to rise. Foodlink has noted that this trend is also impacting the Rochester community.
The 'Map the Meal Gap' report from Feeding America uses data and surveys from the USDA Economic Research Service from two years before to track food insecurity across the United States.
The report detailed that nearly 10,000 more people in the counties that Foodlink serves experienced food insecurity in 2023 than in 2022.
'While Foodlink and its nonprofit partners continue to do all that we can to support those who need food assistance while food prices remain high, more must be done through policy and legislation at the state and federal level to reverse this troubling trend,' Julia Tedesco, President and CEO of Foodlink, said.
According to this year's report, 13% of Monroe County residents are reported to be affected by food insecurity compared to 11.8% of Livingston and Ontario County and 14.5% of Allegany County.
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The study also reported that the 14605 zip code of Rochester ranked as one of the highest food-insecurity rates, with 31.7% of that area impacted by food insecurity. Rochester Hope food pantry has worked with Foodlink to address the issue in the area and provide residents with accessible and healthy resources. According to the pantry's executive director, Dawn Burdick, they have seen a 30% increase in those who utilize their services compared to those served at the same time last year.
'We're serving many more children from food-insecure households,' said Burdick, 'and we're seeing a heartbreaking rise in people having to turn to an emergency food pantry for the first time. Many carry shame and stigma as they walk through our doors — but we want them to know they're not alone. No one should have to choose between feeding their children and keeping the lights on.'
More information about 'Map of Meal the Gap' and the report can be found on Feeding America's website.
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