Women

With one out of five (20 percent) of women in New York City living below the federal poverty level – compared to 15 percent nationwide- women are one of the largest groups relying on food assistance throughout the five boroughs. Learn more below about our city's women in need with key statistics and stories from the women we help.

• Among women in NYC, 46 percent experienced difficulty affording food in 2009 — up 64 percent since 2003. (NYC Hunger Experience 2009)
• Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of New Yorkers visiting food pantries are women. (NYC Hunger Safety Net 2007)
• Almost one out of every five (18 percent) of women in NYC would not be able to afford needed food immediately after losing their household income. (NYC Hunger Experience 2009)