SYRACUSE -- The older generation of Central New York is getting hungrier.

A new study from the AARP shows the 40 to 59 age group has seen a big spike in the number of people going hungry. In the last decade, the number has gone up by 79 percent. The AARP points out this is a tricky age group. They are too young to qualify for Social Security and Medicare, but too old to qualify for programs geared towards families with children.

The Food Bank of Central New York provides food for pantries and soup kitchens across the area. Workers there say the increase is because of the economic downturn and pride. Amalia Swan says, "This has been a population that's always worked at and always made a decent income to feed their families."

The Rescue Mission has also seen a dramatic increase in the number of baby boomers looking for food. Paul LaDolce says about 42 percent of the total meals served go to people between 40 and 60 years old.

What do you think should be done to help this age group? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.