Hispanic/Latino People Among Most Food Insecure On Long Island: Study

HAUPPAUGE, NY — The Hispanic/Latino population is the most food insecure on Long Island, making up more than half of the community that the food bank serves, according to a study done by Long Island Cares.

"This population is the most vulnerable on the Island," Long Island Cares wrote, noting it accounts for 54 percent of the community it serves.

Long Island Cares took a demographical approach to food insecurity on the island when it conducted its “The State of Food Insecurity on Long Island” study. The food bank surveyed its clientele and attained data on various demographics on Long Island and how they fare with food insecurity.

White people represented 21 percent of survey takers and 18 percent are black, according to the data.

The data provided insight into understanding the experiences of people using the emergency food network on Long Island. The organization surveyed more than 1,000 clients through 12 food pantries in Spanish and English in an effort to understand their clients better. That understanding will give the food bank an outline to develop programs and policies that meet the needs of the people it serves.

Long Island Cares says it was inspired by the “Hunger in America” study by Feeding America in 2014, so it worked on a Long Island-specific survey. The organization also plans to conduct future studies to better understand and address the evolving needs as the political, economic and social climates change.

Long Island Cares said it is aware of language accessibility, which is why it offered the survey in English and Spanish.

"Ending hunger, improving nutrition, and reducing food waste are essential objectives for Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank," Paule Pachter, CEO of the organization, wrote. "Hunger occurs year-round, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light health disparities and structural barriers that communities of color across Long Island are facing. Through concerted effort and focus, Long Island Cares is ensuring equitable food access, opportunity for all, and strengthening the health and wellbeing of all communities."

Of the 1,037 respondents, 724 said their household size is 1 to 4 people, while 525 of them have children under 18 in the house.

For employment status, 178 food bank clients work full-time; 221 work part-time; 164 are unemployed and looking for work; 151 are unemployed and not looking for work; 11 are students; 231 are retired; and there were 49 people who chose the "other" option.

The household income for 551 respondents is less than $25,520, while 127 of food bank clients have no income, the data shows. Fifty-three respondents' household income is more than $50,000.

Long Island Cares also asked people why they use their food banks.

The most common answer was the cost of food, with 677 clients selecting that option. Under/unemployment (533); inflation (229); product availability (151); and other (9) came in below it.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness of hunger in our local communities, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that 1 in 8 people face hunger. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.