PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Monica Bartley, Deaconess of United Methodist Church, on Intro 641
2:06:06
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125 sec
Monica Bartley, a deaconess in the United Methodist Church, testified in support of Intro 641, which aims to improve children's health by requiring restaurants to offer healthier meal options. She emphasized the importance of this bill, particularly for communities of color facing economic and geographic barriers to healthy eating.
- The New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, representing over 400 member churches, approved a resolution supporting Intro 641.
- Bartley highlighted that the bill would make healthier choices more accessible to families by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in children's meals.
- She urged the committee to approve the legislation to protect and improve the health of children and youth.
Monica Bartley
2:06:06
Okay.
2:06:07
Good afternoon, chair Schuman.
2:06:09
My name is Monica Bartley.
2:06:11
I'm a deaconess in the United Methodist Church, an active participant in United Women in Faith.
2:06:18
As a deaconess, I've made a lifetime commitment to alleviate suffering and facilitate the development of full human potential, and that is why I speak to you today in support of intro 641.
2:06:33
It is clear that our children's health is being jeopardized by the lack of healthier meal options in many restaurants.
2:06:41
This is particularly concerning for our com committees of color communities of color, where families often face economic and geographic barriers to healthy eating.
2:06:55
Many parents work multiple jobs and simply do not have the time or financial resources to prepare nutritious meals at home.
2:07:05
As a result, fast food has become a convenient yet unhealthy option for many families.
2:07:13
Intra 641 is a meaningful step towards changing this by requiring New York City restaurants to offer at least 2 default children's meals that meet certain nutritional standards incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, this bill will make healthier choices more accessible to families.
2:07:38
This past June, the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, representing over 400 member churches across New York City, Long Island and beyond overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting intra 641.
2:07:56
In that spirit, I urge this committee to vote to approve this legislation as soon as possible to protect and improve the health of our children and youth.
2:08:09
Thank you for your thoughtful contribution.
Lynn Schulman
2:08:11
Thank you.
