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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Liz Ward, Program Assistant at New York Health Foundation on Food Insecurity in NYC
3:27:13
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123 sec
Liz Ward from the New York Health Foundation testified about the ongoing food insecurity crisis in New York City, highlighting racial disparities and the impact of recent federal funding cuts. She emphasized the need for continued city investment in food programs and timely payments to service providers.
- Nearly 1 in 5 Black New Yorkers and 1 in 7 Hispanic New Yorkers experienced food insufficiency last year, compared to 1 in 11 white New Yorkers.
- Recent federal cuts include over $1.6 billion from food banks and schools, and a $500 million pause in the emergency food assistance program.
- The foundation supports continued investment in the Community Food Connection program and urges the city to pay service providers on time, especially given the threat of federal cuts to their financial stability.
Liz Ward
3:27:13
Afternoon, Sherry.
3:27:23
Good afternoon Chair Ayala and staff.
3:27:25
My name is Liz Ward and I am a program assistant at the New York Health Foundation.
3:27:30
The New York Health Foundation is a private independent foundation that seeks to improve the health of all New Yorkers, especially people of color and others who have been historically marginalized.
3:27:40
Since 2014, we've invested millions of dollars in supporting programs and policies that connect New Yorkers with the food they need to thrive.
3:27:49
Despite considerable investment, food insufficiency remains a serious concern for millions of New Yorkers.
3:27:55
Nearly one in five black New Yorkers and one in seven Hispanic New Yorkers experienced food insufficiency last year compared with one in eleven white New Yorkers.
3:28:06
Recent federal cuts make city investment and stronger safety net programs all the more critical.
3:28:11
Just last month, the USDA cut more than $1,600,000,000 from food banks and schools.
3:28:17
The agency also paused $500,000,000 for the emergency food assistance program program, meaning shipments of essential foods that were destined for food banks will no longer arrive.
3:28:28
In New York City alone, 2,500,000 meals are at risk.
3:28:33
We we are in full support of others' calls to continue investing in the community food connection program.
3:28:39
We also believe the city must pay service providers on time.
3:28:43
More than $4,000,000,000 in federal aid supports the work of nonprofits that are essential to New York City's safety net yet many providers are still waiting on overdue payments.
3:28:53
Federal cuts threaten their financial stability so the city must honor its commitments and quickly pay them what they owe.
3:29:00
Finally, we encourage the council to use its collective voice to oppose harmful federal cuts.
3:29:05
To conclude, we are grateful for the city's shared commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have reliable access to the nutritious food nutritious food they need to live healthy, dignified lives.
3:29:16
Thank you.