PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eloisa Trinidad, Executive Director of Chilis On Wheels, on Intro 641
2:56:38
·
3 min
Eloisa Trinidad, Executive Director of Chilis On Wheels, passionately advocates for Intro 641, which establishes nutrition standards and beverage options for children's meals in NYC food service establishments. She emphasizes the importance of protecting children's health and creating a foundation for their success through better nutrition.
- Trinidad highlights Chilis On Wheels' work in making healthy plant-based food accessible to communities in need and their focus on food education and food sovereignty.
- She shares concerns about the impact of nutrition on children's growth and development, citing alarming rates of childhood chronic diseases.
- Trinidad emphasizes the bill's alignment with health equity goals and praises the council's actions on sugary drinks, urging for healthier options like water and plant-based milk in restaurants.
Eloisa Trinidad
2:56:38
Good afternoon, team members of the council.
2:56:40
My name is Eloisa Trinidad, and I am the executive director at Chili's On Wheels.
2:56:44
I stand before you today to passionately advocate for inter 641, which establishes vital nutrition standards and beverage options for children's meals served in food service establishment throughout New York City.
2:56:56
Chili's on Wheels works to make healthy plant based food accessible to communities in need, and we do this through direct food relief, policy, education, and mentorship.
2:57:04
We serve communities in the 5 boroughs and work on policy at the city, state, and federal levels to transform our food system to a more just, equitable, and sustainable one for all beings.
2:57:13
All our services are free to our community members, and we take a comprehensive approach to food education and food sovereignty that focuses on justice from farm to fork and in addressing the historical wrongs our communities face due to the impacts of Western colonization and systemic policies that further marginalize them.
2:57:31
From our beginnings, we have included and centered children and youth voices in our advocacy.
2:57:35
Our students learn about the food system itself and how to advocate for themselves, and their communities have every point of it.
2:57:41
Earlier, you heard from Emily Hiron.
2:57:43
Students just like Emily have been a critical part of our policy wins at every level, including our most recent wins in the USA National School Lunch Program.
2:57:51
Our children and youth are taking action, and we must further support their efforts through bills like intro 641.
2:57:57
But what is often not seen or heard are the heartbreaking stories directly from children who lack access to consistent healthy food, the desperation and sadness that I see and hear at every food distribution and mentorship workshop, the children are dealing with anxiety and depression because they experience a chronic illness and fear their younger siblings will face the same.
2:58:16
Our children and youth must be protected and must we must create the foundation for them to succeed.
2:58:24
As a liberation and food activist for over 20 years, I continue to be deeply concerned about the impact of nutrition in children's growth and development, and implementing concrete nutrition standards is essential for ensure ensuring that our children receive meals that not only satisfy their hunger, but also provide the key nutrients necessary for their physical and cognitive advancement.
2:58:43
Our children represent the future, and it's our responsibility to prioritize their health.
2:58:47
The reality of childhood chronic diseases and associated health challenges is alarming.
2:58:52
By enforcing these robust nutrition standards, we can effectively combat these issues and foster healthier eating habits and create a more sustainable future for all of our children.
2:59:02
This bill is in perfect alignment with Chili Sonos' commitment to health equity and a more sustainable future, ensuring that all of our children, regardless of background or circumstances, have access to wholesome, healthy foods.
2:59:13
I want to thank you for your actions on sugary drinks, in particular, emphasize the need for better and healthier drinks in all these restaurants.
2:59:21
By covering sugary drink consumption and providing healthier options with water and plant based milk, we can influence children to make better choices.
2:59:31
The transformation that we will have will have a lasting impact on children's eating habits, leading to a healthier future for them and their communities.
2:59:39
Thank you for taking action and for your attention and consideration in protecting our children.
