43,000. That's how many people in Placer County aren't secure about where they'll get food, according to the study. That's one in every eight people in the area.
A task force of local organizations put together by the Placer Community Foundation analyzed hunger and food access in the county. It found that applications for CALFresh - or food stamps - have increased approximately 200 percent in Placer County since 2008 -- but nearly 60 percent of eligible families are not participating.
According to the report, people are now relying regularly on food banks as a primary source of groceries, and areas in central Roseville, Lincoln and Auburn are so-called "food deserts." That's the term for areas in which people don't have access to a large grocery store close to home.
The Foundation says the findings will guide local efforts to combat hunger.
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