A new national report shows food insecurity is growing across the Capital Region, with a sharp increase among children. According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, more than 355,000 people in the Regional Food Bank’s 23-county service area—roughly 12.2% of the population—struggled to access enough food in 2023. For children, the rate is even higher, at 15.4%.
The data reveal that nearly 95,000 children in the region experienced food insecurity last year, an increase of over 7% in counties such as Saratoga, Otsego, and Schenectady.
“This confirms what we’re seeing every day,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “Despite our best efforts, the meal gap is growing. We’re doing everything we can—rescuing more food, building new partnerships, and working with the community to raise support.”
In the Capital Region alone, which includes counties like Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer, the total meal gap increased by more than 2.2 million compared to the previous year. The Map the Meal Gap report is the only study offering local food insecurity estimates nationwide. To learn how to help or access food resources, visit www.regionalfoodbank.net.
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