1 in 3 New Yorkers having a harder time affording food

In 2012, 2.6 million, or about 1 in 3, New Yorkers struggled to afford food, according to a Food Bank for New York City report.

"We were pretty shocked in particular to see the increase in low-income families having difficulties affording food," said Triada Stampas, Senior Director for Government Relations for the Food Bank for New York City, said.

The "food affordability gap" has increased this past year. New Yorkers making less than the median household income of $50,000 were hit the hardest and had an increased struggle to afford food.

Two in five households with children in New York had difficulty paying for food.

"That 70 percent of lower income residents are having a harder time affording food is really disturbing," Stampas said.

One in three New York residents bought more pasta, rice, and beans to reduce the cost of their grocery bill, while buying less meat, poultry, cheese, fish, and dairy.

17% of New Yorkers said they avoided buying food so they could pay rent.