Hunger Statistics
Childhood Hunger in Chautauqua County
Childhood hunger is a prevailing health concern across the entire country. Here in New York State it is estimated that 50% of children living in Upstate New York live at or below the poverty level. In Chautauqua County alone 50.2% of children live in poverty and 63% of families in the county qualify for free and/or reduced lunches.
50.2%
In Chautauqua County alone 50.2% of children live in poverty.
63%
63% of families in Chautauqua County qualify for free and/or reduced lunches.
37%
Approximately 37% of the students in Clymer Central School qualify for free/reduced lunches.
The program intends to reach children who are hungry or at risk of hunger. While children receive 2 meals in school Monday through Friday, for some children when they go home for the weekend, they may not know where their next meal comes from. It is the programs’ goal to send nutritious food home with children on Friday’s to supplement the food they will receive at home over the weekend to fight childhood hunger and give these children a chance to be the best they can be and to better succeed academically and physically.