'Food Bank For NYC' Expanding Financial Empowerment Programs For Families In Need

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Families who need food help should also be getting other forms of aid like financial coaching.

That's what the Food Bank for New York City says.

The anti-hunger organization said Wednesday it's expanding a pilot program that adds financial empowerment programs to the hunger-relief programs it runs in 18 city schools.

"People actually are receiving financial counseling. They receive help with things like getting onto benefits that they are absolutely eligible for. They get things like free tax assistance," Food Bank for NYC, President and CEO, Margarette Purvis said.

The organization says research shows there's a connection between hunger and financial capabilities, particularly in low and moderate-income households.

It says helping a household dealing with hunger issues with coaching about things like debt management and tax preparation could help make it more financially secure. That could help it become more able to get the food needed instead of having to turn to emergency food aid.

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