Most of Schenectady County's 150,000 residents can afford to feed themselves and their families, but 18 percent _ about twice the national average _ have reduced their food intake, skipped meals or gone without food for a day, according to a study done by David Cotter, assistant professor of sociology, and 19 students in his Qualitative Social Research Methods Class.
The study, commissioned by the Council of Community Services of New York State, was presented March 15 _ National Hunger Awareness Day _ in a news conference attended by a number of county food providers and their clients.
The study took place over nine month last year. The students interviewed 120 people at five local soup kitchens and food pantries. In addition, they called 727 county residents to ask their attitudes about hunger.