PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Hussein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network
2:50:29
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129 sec
Hussein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network, testifies in support of Intro 641, which aims to improve nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of providing healthier options to combat chronic illnesses in low-income and minority communities.
- Yatabarry shares his personal experience growing up in Harlem and the Bronx, highlighting the lack of healthy options in children's menus.
- He connects the values of care and moderation in Islam to the goals of Intro 641, arguing that the bill reflects these principles.
- The testimony emphasizes that Intro 641 doesn't remove choices but makes healthier options more accessible, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses.
Husein Yatabarry
2:50:29
Good afternoon, chair Shulman and esteemed members of the health committee with us virtually.
2:50:33
My name is Hussein Yateberry.
2:50:35
I am the executive director of Muslim Community Network.
2:50:38
I was born in Harlem.
2:50:40
I was raised in the Bronx.
2:50:41
And like so many of us, I grew up eating from restaurants' kids menus that offered the same sugary drinks and salty processed foods that are still in front of children today.
2:50:51
Back then, we were still learning about the impacts of these meals on long term health, but in 2024, we know exactly how these excessive sugars and sodium contribute to chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, especially for low income black and brown New Yorkers.
2:51:06
As a person of faith, I approach this issue with a deep commitment to values of care and moderation that are central to Islam.
2:51:13
We are taught to avoid excess and to prioritize what sustains us, not just in the moment, but over the long term.
2:51:20
Intro 641 reflects that same value of moderation by ensuring that at least 2 children's meals on every menu meet the basic nutrition standards.
2:51:29
Removing flavored milk and reducing juice portions, these aren't extreme measures.
2:51:34
They're common sense steps to protect our children's futures.
2:51:38
For families like mine growing up in the Bronx, these healthier options weren't available and we're now seeing the consequences play out in our communities.
2:51:46
The chronic illnesses so many face are not just personal struggles.
2:51:50
They're systemic issues that reflect years of inequity in the food options marketed to us.
2:51:56
Intro 641 is about changing the narrative and making sure the next generation has the sustenance to thrive.
2:52:02
This legislation doesn't take choices away.
2:52:05
I think like the mom said to my right, it makes healthy choices easier.
2:52:10
It gives parents the ability to make decisions that align with their values of care and responsibility while holding restaurants accountable for offering balanced options.
2:52:19
Chair Shulman, I urge you, members of the committee and the entirety of the council, to support intro 641 and help us to ensure that every child in New York City, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to a healthier future.
2:52:32
I would also like to shout out IPHN and CSPI for bringing us on to this initiative.
2:52:37
Thank you.
