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.
