What does this measure?

The number of meals served by any organization that receives food from a food bank, presented as a rate per resident. This includes a range of organizations, from food pantries to soup kitchens.

Why is this important?

Hunger has obvious negative effects, especially upon children who are still developing and the elderly who may be frail. Feeding America, the largest national network of emergency food providers, estimates that 2.1 million people in New York and 25 million people in the U.S. receive emergency food annually.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

In 2008, 4.2 emergency meals were served per resident in the Greater Capital Region, an increase of 25% since 2000. However, this number is down from a peak of 4.6 meals per resident in 2003. The Greater Capital Region consistently served fewer meals per capita than New York State. In 2008, New York State, served 6.0 meals per resident. All counties in the Greater Capital Region experienced an increase in emergency meals served between 2000 and 2007. Schoharie County had the largest increase, more than doubling its rate of meals served.

Notes about the data

Comparable national data were not available. CGR calculated rates using Census population estimates.