PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Elena Ristovski, Director of Operations and Programs at Marlow Bistro
3:10:26
·
120 sec
Elena Ristovski from Marlow Bistro testifies in support of Intro 979, which aims to improve shelter food contracts and explore collaborations between the city, non-profits, and small businesses to deliver high-quality, culturally relevant meals to homeless New Yorkers. She shares how participating in shelter food contracts has benefited their restaurant and the community.
- Marlow Bistro has been able to optimize infrastructure, minimize food waste, and grow their workforce through participation in shelter food contracts.
- The partnership has allowed them to expand their team by 15 employees and generate over $1,000,000 in revenue, contributing to the local economy.
- Ristovski emphasizes the potential of the legislation to improve meal quality in homeless shelters while supporting small restaurants as cultural and economic cornerstones.
Elena Ristovski
3:10:26
Dear chairs, thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
3:10:30
My name is Elena Ristovski, and I'm the director of operations and programs at Marlo Bistro, an independent Mediterranean restaurant located on the upper west side.
3:10:40
I'm proud to testify today in the support of intro 979 sponsored by chair 1.
3:10:47
This important legislation aims to improve our understanding of shelter food contracts and explore how the city, non profits, and small businesses can collaborate more effectively to deliver high quality, culturally relevant meals to homeless New Yorkers.
3:11:05
We want to share with you today how our participation in the city's shelter food contracts has allowed us to optimize our infrastructure, minimize food waste, and not only to retain but grow our workforce during challenging times.
3:11:22
Even more, we reinforced our community, our ties in the community and proven the values of applying a pay it forward culture.
3:11:32
Because of this support, we, in return, are able to give forward by supporting our local soup kitchens, food banks, and neighbors in need, whether through donating nutritional meals or hiring local staff.
3:11:45
Furthermore, our partnership with Ritenk Food and the city of New York has enabled Marlow Bistro to expand our team by 15 employees and generate over $1,000,000 in revenue, contributing meaningfully to the local economy.
3:12:00
By facilitating more thoughtful and adaptive food procurement practices, this legislation has the power to significantly improve the quality and cultural relevance of meals served in New York City's homeless shelters, and at the same time support the small restaurants, reinforcing their importance as cultural and economic cornerstone.
3:12:24
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
