Auburn University poll says people may be skipping meals

An Auburn University poll found that many Alabama residents could be going hungry because of the prolonged recession.

A statewide survey of adults by Auburn's Center for Governmental Services found that 27 percent believe "a lot" of Alabama families are cutting the size of their meals or are skipping meals altogether because of financial considerations.

Another 36 percent said "a fair number" of other families could be doing the same.

"We didn't ask people directly whether they themselves have cut back," said Auburn pollster David Hill. "Many individuals we poll may be too proud to tell an interviewer bluntly that they are going hungry, so, we ask the question indirectly, inquiring about families in general. This provides us a sense of what people are hearing from friends, neighbors and others in their communities."