Hunger Data Book 2002
INDICATORS OF NEED
The statistical information included within each profile represents
the most recent data available at the time of publication. Definitions
and sources for the 2002 data book statistics are as follows:
Poverty: 1998 poverty data is provided. Based on income
reported in the March 1999 Current Population Survey (CPS),
the data is drawn from the Census Bureau’s Small Area Income
and Poverty Estimates.1 We
have chosen to use CPS data as our source for poverty statistics
in this 2002 data book because county-level Census 2000 poverty
statistics will not be available until summer/fall 2002. Also, CPS
data is frequently updated and will allow for poverty-change comparisons
in future data books.
Food Insecurity: This statistical measure reflects estimates
extrapolated from the 1996 - 1998 New York State food insecurity
measure. Food insecurity is defined as the limited or uncertain
availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the inability
to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.2
Median Income: We have provided 1998 median household income
data as reported in the March 1999 Current Population Survey.
Median income represents the income amount that divides the
entire income distribution into two equal groups, with half of the
households having incomes above the median, and half below.3
Infant Mortality Rate: The infant mortality rate for the
year 2000 is provided by the NYS DOH, and refers to the number of
infant deaths that occur within the first year of life, per 1,000
live births.4
Unemployment Rate: December 2001 New York State Department
of Labor unemployment data is provided. The unemployment rate is
defined as the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed,
but actively looking for employment.5
Childhood Poverty: 1998 childhood poverty data is provided,
including the number and percentage of children under 18 living
in households with income below the poverty threshold, as well as
data for school-aged children. This data is based on income reported
in the March 1999 Current Population Survey, and is drawn
from the Census Bureau’s Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates.6
(County-level Census 2000 poverty statistics will not be available
until summer/fall 2002.) The number of children living below 185%
of poverty is based on the number of children with free/reduced-price
meal applications on file at public schools across the state.7
Low Birth-Weight
Rate: 1999 low birth-weight rates, provided by the NYS Department
of Health, indicate the percentage of babies born weighing less than
2500 grams/5.5 pounds.8
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