Report: Number of LI hungry up 20 percent

HEMPSTEAD, NY Feeding America reports that's a 20 percent increase in those seeking food assistance since its last study in 2006.

The study also found nearly 65,000 people are seeking emergency food assistance in Nassau and Suffolk counties every week.

The study was conducted in cooperation with Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, Inc., the region's leading anti-hunger agencies.

Local officials blame rising unemployment and other stresses on the economy for the increase.