Spotlight on Hunger: Food hardship in New York City is rising as New Yorkers wait for a second federal stimulus bill

As New York City and the country continue to grapple with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of New Yorkers struggle to feed themselves and their families. Food hardship has been a widespread problem in New York City for years, and the New Yorkers who have been hardest hit by the current economic crisis were already facing extraordinarily high rates of food hardship prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (one in three New Yorkers).

Combined, income from the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the food provided by the city’s pantries appear to have staved off a substantial increase in food hardship in the early months of the pandemic. However, as key CARES Act provisions have expired, we are seeing more New Yorkers running out of food or worrying food will run out before they have money to buy more (by September and October, 42 percent of New Yorkers). Communities of color are particularly vulnerable, as they suffered higher rates of food hardship going into the crisis.

Since the onset of the pandemic, food banks have become a lifeline for millions, especially among Hispanic New Yorkers and New Yorkers born outside of the United States, groups that were disproportionately left out of provisions in the CARES Act. As food hardship is intensifying, legislation that is inclusive and provides cash-based support is critical to ensuring that New Yorkers are able to meet their basic needs.

The Poverty Tracker is a longitudinal study of the dynamics of poverty and disadvantage in New York City. It is a joint project of Robin Hood and Columbia University.