The Problem
Rochester’s children face a hunger crisis that demands immediate action — and a summer Sunday gap no one else is filling.
42%
of Rochester children live in poverty — 2.5× the NYS average, 3× the national average
40.6%
food insecurity in ZIP 14608 — 2nd highest in New York State
0
Sunday summer meals before Nourish Rochester
The most arresting number
Only 16 kids
access a summer lunch for every 100 who receive free school meals during the year. When school ends, daily nutrition disappears for thousands of Rochester children.
What families in Rochester face every day
Childhood food insecurity
160,920 food-insecure residents in Foodlink’s region — a decade high.
Summer meal gap
When the school year ends, children lose consistent access to daily, balanced nutrition.
Transportation barriers
Just 11 supermarkets in a city of 211,000. Most neighborhoods are food deserts.
Rising food costs
Grocery prices are up 30% since 2020 — the average family pays $310 more per year than in 2024.
Limited access to fresh food
Corner stores dominate many neighborhoods — calorie-dense, nutrition-poor, and rarely stocking fresh produce.