People with Disabilities
Approximately 1.4 million New Yorkers rely on soup kitchens and food pantries. As of 2007, about one-third were disabled — an increase of 24 percent from 2004. Learn more about people with disabilities in New York City below with key statistics and stories from the people we help.
- Almost one-third (31 percent) of disabled adults in NYC (21 percent in the US) live below the federal poverty level (approximately $18,000 per year for a family of three). (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2008)
- More than one out of five (22 percent) NYC residents turning to soup kitchens and food pantries receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and 6 percent receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). (NYC Hunger Safety Net 2007)
- On average, NYC residents accessing emergency food who are enrolled in SSI, which provides additional income to people with disabilties, receive $647 per month. (NYC Hunger Safety Net 2007)
Read stories below from New Yorkers with disabilities who have received assistance through our network of more than 1,000 food assistance programs throughout the five boroughs. Real names are not used.
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