Google Maps adds info on nearby food pantries

Google is making it easier for those who are hungry to find a local food bank by offering a new locator tool within Google Maps.

Why it matters: The 2021 reality is there are plenty of people in the U.S. who have plenty of access to the internet, but not enough access to food.

Details:

• Google said the new map feature allows people to search for their nearest food bank, food pantry or school meal program pickup site.
• Data, including nearly 90,000 locations offering assistance, is provided by No Kid Hungry, FoodFinder and the Agriculture Department.

The big picture: Hunger has reached crisis levels amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Feeding America estimates that 45 million people, or one in seven Americans, experienced food insecurity in 2020, a nearly 30% increase from 2019.
• Google said that searches for nearby food banks, applications for government nutrition aid and info on school lunches all reached record highs last year.