The working poor are getting poorer in Suffolk County, according to the Welfare to Work Commission.

Members of the commission met Thursday to hold hearings and gather data to update its last report from a decade ago.

According to the commission, poverty on Long Island is defined as an annual income of $55,500 for a family of four.

It says 20% of Long Island's population meets that definition.

The Welfare to Work Commission says many families are struggling due to the pandemic, inflation and the high cost of living on Long Island.

"So, this is going to explain why about 300,000 Long Islanders go to food pantries every year," says Richard Koubek, of the commission,

The commission says hearings will be held next week in Riverhead to propose policies to help those struggling with poverty.