Advocates Say City Hunger Problem Is Reaching Crisis Levels

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- New York City's hunger problem is now a crisis, according to those who work with people who need help.

One in six New Yorkers is now living in a home where there is not enough money to put food on the table, according to the New York City Coalition Against Hunger.

Listen to Advocates Say City Hunger Problem Is Reaching Crisis Levels

"It's been steadily increasing," Juan De La Cruz, the food program director for the coalition, told the Times. "There will be nights when we run short of food."

The New York Times reported, that the group saw the demand at food pantries increase 10 percent in 2013. Executive Director Joel Berg said that people were already struggling in the tough economy when their food stamps were reduced last fall.

The Coalition For The Homeless provides meals for 1,200 people every night. Summer is its busiest time.

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