New York City, November 18, 2025
A new study by the Robin Hood Foundation and Columbia University reveals that over 50% of New Yorkers have reduced their food purchases due to surging living expenses. This growing trend highlights the financial strain on residents, as escalating costs lead to increased food insecurity. Key findings include a rise in food pantry visits and high poverty rates among young adults. Efforts to address these issues include expanding food assistance programs and advocating for policy reforms.
New York City Residents Cut Back on Food Purchases Amid Rising Living Costs
New York City – A recent study by the Robin Hood Foundation and Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy reveals that over 50% of New Yorkers have reduced their food purchases due to escalating living expenses. This trend underscores the growing financial strain on city residents as the cost of living continues to climb.
Key Findings of the Study
- Over 50% of New Yorkers have cut back on food purchases due to rising living costs.
- Approximately 14% of adults and 18% of families with children visited a food pantry last year, an increase from 9% in 2019.
- Nearly 70% of young adults aged 18-30 have sought employment in the past year, yet 25% of this group live in poverty, the highest rate among all adult age groups.
Impact on Food Insecurity
The study highlights a significant rise in food insecurity across the city. Factors contributing to this include:
- Increased food prices outpacing income growth.
- Higher unemployment rates among young adults.
- Elevated poverty levels, with nearly 2 million New Yorkers living in poverty as of 2022.
Efforts to Address the Crisis
In response to these challenges, several initiatives have been implemented:
- Expansion of food assistance programs, including increased use of food pantries.
- Policy recommendations to permanently expand the federal child tax credit and New York’s Empire State Child Tax Credit.
- Calls for wage increases and reforms to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to better meet the needs of residents.
Background Context
Food insecurity in New York City has been a persistent issue, with previous reports indicating that 39% of residents experienced food hardship in 2020. The current study builds upon this data, emphasizing the exacerbating effects of rising living costs on the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of New Yorkers have reduced their food purchases due to rising living costs?
Over 50% of New Yorkers have cut back on food purchases due to rising living costs.
How many adults and families with children visited food pantries last year?
Approximately 14% of adults and 18% of families with children visited a food pantry last year, an increase from 9% in 2019.
What is the poverty rate among young adults aged 18-30 in New York City?
25% of young adults aged 18-30 live in poverty, the highest rate among all adult age groups.
What are the main factors contributing to increased food insecurity in New York City?
Factors include increased food prices outpacing income growth, higher unemployment rates among young adults, and elevated poverty levels, with nearly 2 million New Yorkers living in poverty as of 2022.
What initiatives have been implemented to address food insecurity in New York City?
Initiatives include expansion of food assistance programs, policy recommendations for child tax credits, and calls for wage increases and SNAP reforms to better meet the needs of residents.
Key Features of the Study
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Partners | Robin Hood Foundation and Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy |
| Key Findings | Over 50% of New Yorkers reduced food purchases; 14% of adults and 18% of families with children visited food pantries last year; 25% of young adults aged 18-30 live in poverty. |
| Contributing Factors | Increased food prices, higher unemployment rates among young adults, elevated poverty levels. |
| Implemented Initiatives | Expansion of food assistance programs, policy recommendations for child tax credits, calls for wage increases and SNAP reforms. |
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