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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Beth Bainbridge, Education Programs Director of Sylvia Center
2:17:02
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Beth Bainbridge, representing the Sylvia Center, testified in support of the plan to convert unused industrial areas into urban agriculture sites. She emphasized the importance of fresh food access for all New Yorkers and highlighted the Sylvia Center's work in culinary programming to promote health and well-being in under-resourced communities.
- The Sylvia Center serves over 6,000 participants across all five boroughs of New York City.
- 94% of program participants report eating 1 or more healthy meals per week as a result of their nutrition-focused classes.
- Urban farming activities are seen as crucial for developing a new generation of community food advocates and providing opportunities for community connection and collaboration.
Beth Bainbridge
2:17:02
Hello.
2:17:03
My name is Beth Bainbridge, and I am here, representing the Sylvia Center.
2:17:09
Thank you, council member Farias, and all the members of the economic committee for convening this hearing today.
2:17:17
We appreciate the opportunity to submit this testimony on behalf of the Sylvia Center and as a member of the Tisch Food Center or the Tisch Center's Food Ed Hub in support of the plan to convert unused industrial areas to urban ag sites.
Amanda Farías
2:17:31
Sorry.
2:17:32
Sergeant, can you pause the time?
Beth Bainbridge
2:17:34
The it's Yeah.
2:17:35
There's feedback.
2:17:36
Right?
Amanda Farías
2:17:36
There is feedback.
2:17:38
I think you have to move it a little bit away from you.
2:17:43
No.
2:17:43
He looked at it already.
2:17:46
Okay.
2:17:46
I think we can take it again.
2:17:48
You can yeah.
2:17:50
Okay.
Beth Bainbridge
2:17:52
Great.
2:17:53
Thank you.
2:17:54
We see this initiative as an important step to making fresh, healthy food accessible to all New Yorkers, particularly those who live in neighborhoods with limited fresh food access.
2:18:03
Founded in 2007 to address diet related diseases in under resourced communities, the Sylvia Center educates young people and their families through culinary programming to promote health and well-being.
2:18:14
The Sylvia Center programming runs in all 5 of New York City's boroughs and served more than 6,000 participants last year.
2:18:21
We help young people and families take control of their health through better food choices and encourage them to be healthy food advocates in their communities.
2:18:28
94% of program participants report eating 1 or more healthy meals per week as a result of our nutrition focused classes.
2:18:36
Through our experience in providing food education programming citywide, we know firsthand the importance of that fresh food access has on positive student and community health outcomes.
2:18:47
Through our programs, students learn about food justice, food insecurity, and food waste, along with food access, lessons that can only truly be learned with urban ag sites based in our neighborhoods.
2:18:59
Urban farming activities will support the development of a new generation of community food advocates that we are cultivating at the Sylvia Center.
2:19:06
Urban agriculture spaces bring together students and community members and provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and cooperation.
2:19:15
Understanding the importance of community space, as one of our students said, I'm getting to explore the world around me in community because Queen's
Amanda Farías
2:19:26
You can take a few moments.
2:19:27
Okay.
Beth Bainbridge
2:19:27
Great.
2:19:29
Because Queens is the most diverse place on earth, and I think I get to explore that, not only through these places, but its people and its food.
2:19:37
So, we urge the city council to adopt legislation.
2:19:39
Thank you very much.