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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Anita Kwok, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses on Food Insecurity and Assistance Programs
3:07:08
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Anita Kwok from United Neighborhood Houses testifies about the critical need for increased funding and support for food assistance programs in New York City, particularly for older adults and vulnerable communities. She emphasizes the importance of sustaining and expanding various food-related initiatives to combat rising food insecurity.
- Advocates for $57 million in new funding for congregate meals at older adult centers
- Supports Intro 770 to ensure seven-day home-delivered meals for seniors and Intro 237 to restore grab-and-go meal options
- Urges expansion of Community Food Connections (CFC) program to $100 million and creation of a state-level "SNAP for All" program
Anita Kwok
3:07:08
Thank you, chair Ayala, for convening today's over oversight hearing.
3:07:11
My name is Anita Kwok, a policy analyst for United Neighborhood Houses, a policy and social change organization representing neighborhood settlement houses that that reach over 800,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life.
3:07:22
Food insecurity emerged as a top community need at settlement houses in the beginning of the pandemic and today demand for food assistance remains higher than ever.
3:07:32
Settlement houses address hunger through benefit enrollment, pantry services, community outreach, resources and government support are sparse.
3:07:41
Older adult hunger is at crisis levels.
3:07:43
Congregate meals at older adult centers have been severely impacted by rising food costs.
3:07:48
The city must invest at least 57,000,000 in new funding for congregate meals including restoring prior cuts and addressing inflation.
3:07:55
Additionally, home delivered meals, which are often the sole food source for homebound seniors, must be expanded with the council member Linda Lee's intro seven seven zero, which ensures meals are provided seven days a week.
3:08:06
We also urge the council to support council member Hudson's intro two thirty seven restoring grab and go meal options at older adult centers.
3:08:13
Beyond older adults, several UNH members rely on funding for the community food connections program which plays a vital role in combating food insecurity.
3:08:21
For example, WEDCO's weekly community food pantry serves approximately 65 households per week and 300 3,400 individuals per year.
3:08:31
Providers have have emphasized that sustained or increased CFC funding is critical to meeting the growing demand for emergency food assistance in their communities.
3:08:41
UNH thanks the council for putting the expansion of CFC to $100,000,000 to sustain and grow the program in your budget response.
3:08:51
Additionally, UNH urges the council to support our ongoing efforts to create a SNAP for all program at the state level which would utilize state funds to provide food benefits to low income New Yorkers who are currently ineligible to force NAP due to solely their immigration status.
3:09:08
Food is a basic human right yet the federal government has failed to uphold it slashing critical food assistance programs at a time of unprecedented need.
3:09:15
Our most vulnerable neighbors shouldn't be forced to choose between rent or food.
3:09:19
The city must take action to protect residents by ensuring our local food and rental assistance programs remain fully funded, accessible, and able to meet growing needs.
3:09:27
Please see my written testimony for more.
3:09:29
Thank you for this opportunity.