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Q&A
Community Food Connections program funding and food insecurity concerns
1:33:09
ยท
62 sec
Council Member Ayala raises concerns about the funding for the Community Food Connections (CFC) program, particularly the lack of baseline funding in out years. She emphasizes the critical nature of the program for families in need.
- The council previously called for baselining the CFC budget at $60 million
- The preliminary plan includes $60 million for FY25 but only $20.6 million in FY26 and out years
- Approximately $39 million is still needed for FY26 and beyond
- Director Jiha commits to working with the council and considering additional funding if resources are available
- Council Member Ayala notes that food pantry lines are getting longer, indicating persistent food insecurity issues post-pandemic
Diana Ayala
1:33:09
Okay.
1:33:11
The community food connections program.
1:33:13
In fiscal year twenty five, preliminaries, budget response, the council called on the administration to baseline the budget for CFC at 60,000,000 to help combat the high levels of food insecurity in the city which persists today.
1:33:26
Some funding was added to the adopt at adoption for fiscal year twenty five but it was not baseline in the out years and approximately 39,000,000 is still needed for fiscal year twenty six and beyond.
1:33:38
The preliminary plan includes 60,000,000 in fiscal year twenty five budget for CFC but only 20,600,000.0 in fiscal year twenty six and the out years.
1:33:47
Seeing as how this is a critical program for families in need, does OMB plan to add the funding for the program?
1:33:52
And if so, when and how much?
Jacques Jiha
1:33:55
Again, we will continue to work with you.
1:33:58
And, you know, as we move toward adoption, if resources are available, we will make sure because we don't want New Yorkers to go hungry.
1:34:05
We share the same concern.
1:34:07
And if resources are available, we'll make sure that the resources are there to fund the program.