Food Insecurity

Food Insecurity Background:

In 2018, an estimated 1 in 9 Americans were food insecure, equating to over 37 million Americans, including more than 11 million children. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access for a healthy, active life. Food insecurity does not exist in isolation, as low-income families are affected by multiple, overlapping issues like lack of affordable housing, social isolation, chronic or acute health problems, high medical costs, and low wages.

Ranges of Food Insecurity

Food Security

  • High food security: no reported indications of food-access problems or limitations.
  • Marginal food security: one or two reported indications—typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake.

Food Insecurity

  • Low food security (previously known as = Food insecurity without hunger): reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake.
  • Very low food security (previously known as = Food insecurity with hunger):  reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.

FOOD INSECURITY & COVID-19

  • Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of food insecurity peaked at just under 15% of households in 2011.
  • In 2020:
    • Food insecurity affected 17 million more Americans than in 2019
    • Households with children were struck at alarmingly high rates
    • Black and Hispanic families with children were disproportionately affected

FOOD INSECURITY & SUNY BROCKPORT

Studies, via a NY State survey, prior to the pandemic, shared that Brockport student responses were as follows for those who responded:

  • 45% of respondents of the study shared they had experienced hunger and did not have money for food
  • 34% of respondents shared they were unable to study or focus at work because they were hungry, and could not afford food

Resources

  • The Brockport Ecumenical Food Shelf serves community members, including SUNY Brockport students, who live in the Brockport Central School District area below Ridge Road. Requests for food items can be made once a month by calling (585) 637-8169 or info@brockportfoodshelf.org. Due to COVID restrictions, all food items will be delivered to recipients.
  • The Gathering Table @ First Baptist Church Free community meal every third Sunday of the month, 1:30 to 3 pm. Phone number is (585) 637-9770
  • Rochester Food Banks: You may visit any of Foodlink’s member organizations for assistance. Find a location closest to you
  • Lifeline: Call 211 or (877) 356-9211 to find an emergency food provider near you. You will be asked for your zip code, used to identify organizations serving your neighborhood.
  • Genesee County: Regional Action Phone, Inc. (RAP): (800) 359-5727
  • Orleans County: Regional Action Phone, Inc. (RAP): (800) 889-1903
  • Wyoming County: Regional Action Phone, Inc. (RAP): (800) 786-3300
  • Allegany and Yates Counties: Contact 211 Helpline or (800) 346-2211
  • Monroe County DSS Financial Assistance Division SNAP Office - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, is a federally funded program that assists low-income households purchase nutritious food at authorized grocery stores and other retailers. Individuals must apply for this program and provide all the required documentation. If approved, recipients receive an electronic benefit card (EBT), which is similar to a debit card. The SNAP benefit is provided monthly directly into the EBT card. Amount of SNAP benefit is based on household size, income and other factors. SNAP Office is located at: 111 Westfall Rd, Rochester, NY – 14620 or call (585) 753-6298