Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Oversight and Investigations
Apr 08, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 6 min
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Summary
A hearing on New York City's food infrastructure and its impact on produce quality and cost.
Discussions focused on:
- Modernizing the Hunts Point Market
- Addressing cold storage capacity challenges
- Improving regional food distribution
- Increasing access to healthy and affordable food
- Rising food prices
- Potential transportation improvements for food distribution.
The hearing also covered the need for diverse representation among food distributors and balancing emergency food support with sustainable community-centered solutions.
Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Food Policy, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Hunts Point Market operators, food policy experts, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Gale A. Brewer's opening remarks on NYC's food infrastructure hearing
Council Member Gale A. Brewer, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigation, delivers opening remarks for a joint hearing examining New York City's food infrastructure and its impact on …
0:00:53
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4 min
Majority Leader Amanda Farías opens joint hearing on NYC food infrastructure
Majority Leader Amanda Farías opens a joint hearing of the NYC Council Committees on Economic Development and Oversight and Investigation, focusing on the city's food infrastructure system and affordability. She …
0:05:08
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133 sec
Introduction and purpose of the testimony
Kate MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Food Policy, introduces herself and outlines the purpose of her testimony on food infrastructure, quality, and cost of produce in New …
0:07:58
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40 sec
Overview of Food Forward NYC plan
Kate MacKenzie presents an overview of Food Forward NYC, the city's ten-year food policy plan aimed at creating a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system by 2031. - Emphasizes …
0:08:38
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95 sec
COVID-19 impact and rising food prices
Kate MacKenzie discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply chains and the subsequent rise in food prices, affecting food security for New Yorkers. - Highlights supply chain …
0:10:14
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124 sec
Overview of New York City's food system
Kate MacKenzie provides an overview of New York City's complex and diverse food system, highlighting its unique characteristics and challenges. - Describes the scale of food flow through NYC (19 …
0:12:19
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155 sec
Hunts Point Distribution Center redevelopment
Kate MacKenzie details the ongoing redevelopment and modernization of the Hunts Point Distribution Center, the largest food distribution hub in the country. - Explains the current limitations and inefficiencies of …
0:14:56
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141 sec
GrowNYC's regional food hub
Kate MacKenzie introduces GrowNYC's new regional food hub in the Hunts Point neighborhood, set to open in May. - Describes the 60,000 square foot facility and its increased distribution capacity …
0:17:17
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71 sec
Regional food infrastructure and Blue Highways initiative
Kate MacKenzie discusses regional food infrastructure improvements and the Blue Highways initiative to enhance food distribution in New York City. - Highlights the potential for increased regional food supply to …
0:18:30
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3 min
Cold storage infrastructure challenges and improvements
Kate MacKenzie addresses the challenges and improvements related to cold storage infrastructure in New York City. - Explains the importance of cold storage for maintaining food quality and freshness - …
0:21:34
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32 sec
Food access programs and zoning initiatives
Kate MacKenzie outlines various food access programs and zoning initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy and affordable food in New York City. - Describes the Shop Healthy NYC program …
0:22:06
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3 min
Causes of rising food prices
Kate MacKenzie explains the complex factors contributing to rising food prices in New York City and beyond. - Lists various system shocks affecting food prices, including terrorism, hurricanes, and global …
0:25:10
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159 sec
Impact of rising food prices on city agencies
Kate MacKenzie discusses how rising food prices are affecting city agencies that provide meals to their clients. - Explains that agencies are committed to maintaining menu items despite price increases …
0:27:50
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67 sec
Programs to help stretch food budgets
Kate MacKenzie outlines various programs administered by the city to help New Yorkers stretch their food budgets and access nutritious food. - Describes nutrition security programs like Get the Good …
0:28:58
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64 sec
Conclusion and future outlook
Kate MacKenzie concludes her testimony by summarizing the challenges of rising food prices and reaffirming the city's commitment to food security and infrastructure improvements. - Acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed …
0:30:03
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65 sec
Updates and initiatives related to the Food Forward NYC plan
Council Member Brewer inquires about updates to the Food Forward NYC plan, given the current economic environment and rising food prices. Kate MacKenzie responds by outlining various initiatives and adjustments …
0:31:26
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3 min
New York City Regional Food Working Group: Purpose and outcomes
Council Member Brewer inquires about the New York City Regional Food Working Group, its activities, and outcomes. Kate MacKenzie provides information on the group's origin, focus, and current status. - …
0:34:56
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115 sec
Discussion on implementing a lettuce washing machine in New York
Council Member Brewer raises the long-standing issue of implementing a lettuce washing machine in New York City, highlighting the inefficiency of transporting pre-washed lettuce from California. Kate MacKenzie responds to …
0:36:52
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73 sec
Implementation of a true cost of living measure in New York City
Council Member Brewer inquires about the implementation of a true cost of living measure in New York City, which was mentioned in a previous report. Kate MacKenzie provides information on …
0:38:11
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62 sec
Lack of refrigerated storage space in New York City
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about the shortage of refrigerated storage space in New York City despite its large population. Kate MacKenzie from the Mayor's Office of Food Policy explains …
0:39:18
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87 sec
Hunts Point Produce Market redevelopment plans
Michelle Lamberti from the NYC Economic Development Corporation discusses the redevelopment plans for the Hunts Point Produce Market. The focus is on adding two new refrigerated warehouses to increase refrigeration …
0:40:45
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29 sec
Environmental concerns related to idling trucks at Hunts Point
Council Member Amanda Farías raises concerns about idling trucks at Hunts Point and the importance of addressing this long-standing issue. The brief discussion highlights the need to improve infrastructure to …
0:41:15
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17 sec
Regional food hubs and their role in food distribution
Kate MacKenzie discusses the role of regional food hubs in New York City's food distribution system, focusing on the Grow NYC regional food hub set to open in May. The …
0:41:31
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111 sec
Support for hyper-local food production systems
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about support for hyper-local food production systems in areas with the greatest need and affordability challenges. Kate MacKenzie mentions upcoming recommendations from the food affordability …
0:43:23
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55 sec
Blue Highways initiative for water-based food transport
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about the Blue Highways initiative, which aims to move food via barge and water to reduce truck dependency. Michelle Lamberti from the NYC Economic Development …
0:44:21
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61 sec
Plans to increase rail freight usage at Hunts Point Produce Market
Michelle Lamberti discusses plans to increase rail freight usage at the Hunts Point Produce Market as part of the redevelopment project. While trucks will remain the primary mode of transport, …
0:45:23
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86 sec
Challenges facing supermarkets and potential support measures
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about the challenges facing supermarkets in New York City and inquires about potential support measures. The discussion focuses on ways to help supermarkets, …
0:46:49
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46 sec
Tracking of supermarket sizes and engagement with supermarket providers
Kate MacKenzie discusses the tracking of supermarket sizes in New York City and plans for increased engagement with supermarket providers. The Department of City Planning maintains a list of supermarket …
0:47:35
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51 sec
Inclusion of delis and bodegas in supermarket discussions
Council Member Gale A. Brewer emphasizes the importance of including delis and bodegas in discussions about supermarkets and food retail. Kate MacKenzie confirms that these smaller food retailers are part …
0:48:27
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17 sec
Investments in cold storage for emergency food networks
Kate MacKenzie discusses investments in cold storage capacity for emergency food networks in New York City. The focus is on ensuring proper refrigeration for produce distribution through these networks. - …
0:48:44
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56 sec
Emergence of micro-fulfillment centers in residential areas
Council Member Gale A. Brewer brings up the topic of micro-fulfillment centers emerging in residential areas of New York City. These centers are involved in direct-to-consumer shipping and may have …
0:49:40
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41 sec
Challenges related to large trucks in food distribution
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about the challenges posed by large trucks used in food distribution within New York City. The discussion touches on various issues related to …
0:50:21
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40 sec
Council Member Salamanca highlights the importance of Hunts Point Markets
Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. introduces himself as the representative of Hunts Point and emphasizes the significance of the world's largest produce markets located there. He highlights the markets' crucial …
0:51:09
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59 sec
Discussion on potential federal funding cuts for Hunts Point project
Council Member Salamanca inquires about potential federal funding cuts that could affect the Hunts Point project. EDC Vice President Michelle Lamberti responds, addressing concerns about the funding situation. - Potential …
0:52:09
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83 sec
Updates on Hunts Point Produce Market redevelopment plans
Council Member Salamanca inquires about the progress of the Hunts Point Produce Market redevelopment project. EDC Vice President Michelle Lamberti provides updates on the project's status and next steps. - …
0:53:32
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30 sec
Addressing environmental concerns at Hunts Point Markets
Council Member Salamanca raises concerns about the environmental impact of the Hunts Point Markets, particularly regarding air quality. EDC Vice President Michelle Lamberti acknowledges these concerns and outlines plans to …
0:54:03
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84 sec
Council Member Salamanca addresses Blue Highways project and community involvement
Council Member Salamanca discusses the Blue Highways project and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process for waterfront development in Hunts Point. - Salamanca expresses support for …
0:55:28
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79 sec
Council Member Riley questions EDC on FRESH program and food deserts
Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Mayor's Office of Food Policy about the FRESH program, which …
0:56:51
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4 min
Council Member Avilés inquires about cold storage facilities in NYC
Council Member Alexa Avilés asks about the need for cold storage facilities in New York City and EDC's plans to meet this need. She seeks information on the current state …
1:01:15
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20 sec
EDC and Mayor's Office representatives discuss cold storage plans and needs
Michelle Lamberti from EDC and Kate MacKenzie from the Mayor's Office of Food Policy respond to questions about cold storage facilities in NYC, focusing on plans for the Hunts Point …
1:01:37
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171 sec
Council Member Avilés probes transportation inefficiencies and cold storage capacity
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about the extent of cold storage needs in NYC and transportation inefficiencies in food distribution. She also asks for specifics on the new warehouses planned …
1:04:28
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81 sec
Council Member Avilés emphasizes importance of Brooklyn Marine Terminal and Blue Highway system
Council Member Alexa Avilés concludes by highlighting the critical role of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal in cold storage and emergency response, emphasizing the importance of maintaining functional ports for the …
1:05:49
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50 sec
Council Member Bottcher questions the feasibility of city-owned grocery stores
Council Member Erik Bottcher inquires about the idea of city-owned grocery stores, and Executive Director Kate MacKenzie responds with insights on the challenges and considerations of such an endeavor. MacKenzie …
1:06:43
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92 sec
Council Member Avilés inquires about cold storage capacity and Hunts Point Market investments
Council Member Alexa Avilés engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the Mayor's Office of Food Policy and the NYC Economic Development Corporation. She inquires about cold storage capacity, …
1:08:29
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3 min
Council Member Brewer inquires about Hunts Point Market redevelopment RFQ process and potential tourism opportunities
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the RFQ process for the Hunts Point Produce Market redevelopment, focusing on the criteria for shortlisting submissions and the possibility of including tourism …
1:11:32
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136 sec
Hunts Point Market redevelopment: Cooperators' needs and operational continuity
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about the redevelopment plans for Hunts Point Market, focusing on cooperators' specific equipment needs and the EDC's strategy for maintaining continuity of existing operations during …
1:13:49
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94 sec
Ensuring continuity in planning and operations for major NYC projects
Council Member Farías presses for details on how the EDC plans to maintain continuity in planning and operations for major projects like Hunts Point, especially during administrative transitions. - Questions …
1:15:26
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82 sec
Land ownership and EDC-market relationships at Hunts Point Produce Market
Council Member Farías inquires about the breakdown of land ownership at Hunts Point Produce Market and the nature of the relationship between the market and EDC. - Questions about the …
1:16:48
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41 sec
Funding allocation for Hunts Point and Fulton Fish Market improvements
Council Member Farías inquires about the allocation and use of funds for improvements at Hunts Point and Fulton Fish Market, including recent allocations by Mayor Adams. - Discussion of $100 …
1:17:29
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97 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about local produce at Hunts Point and city agencies' purchasing practices
Council Member Gale A. Brewer asks about the proportion of local versus out-of-town produce at Hunts Point Produce Market and how city agencies can increase local product purchases. Kate MacKenzie …
1:19:06
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179 sec
Discussion on food networks, waste reduction, and distribution programs in NYC
The chapter covers a discussion between Council Member Amanda Farías and Kate MacKenzie about the interconnectedness of food networks in New York City, focusing on reducing food waste, composting programs, …
1:22:06
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3 min
Testimony by Matthew D'Arrigo, Owner of Hunts Point Produce Market, on the Hunts Point Market and Produce Distribution in NYC
Matthew D'Arrigo, an owner at Hunts Point Produce Market for 51 years, provides insights into the market's operations, its importance to NYC's food distribution, and plans for redevelopment. He emphasizes …
1:29:31
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4 min
Top issues facing Hunts Point Market
Council Member Amanda Farías asks about the top line issues facing the Hunts Point Market and requests for alleviating those concerns. Matthew D'Arrigo, an owner at the market, responds by …
1:34:26
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115 sec
Impact of tariffs on produce prices
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about ways to lower produce prices for consumers and the potential impact of tariffs. Matthew D'Arrigo provides insights on how tariffs might affect the …
1:36:26
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169 sec
Discussion on cold storage capacity and potential solutions
Council member Alexa Avilés inquires about cold storage capacity issues at the Hunts Point Market and potential solutions, including using off-site locations like Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Matthew D'Arrigo responds, discussing …
1:39:16
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162 sec
Discussion on implementing a salad washing machine at Hunts Point Market
Matthew D'Arrigo and council member Gale A. Brewer engage in an enthusiastic discussion about implementing a salad washing machine at the Hunts Point Market. D'Arrigo commits to spearheading an RFP …
1:41:59
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77 sec
Testimony by Adaeze Okoli, Chief of Staff at Rethink Food
Adaeze Okoli, Chief of Staff at Rethink Food, testified about the organization's efforts to create a more sustainable food system and provide nutritious meals to New Yorkers. She highlighted Rethink's …
1:45:47
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145 sec
Testimony by Rae Gomes, Food Equity Consultant from Cultivating Justice LLC
Rae Gomes, representing Cultivating Justice LLC, expressed disappointment with the proposed solutions by MFP and EDC for addressing long-standing food issues in New York City. She argued that relying on …
1:48:16
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145 sec
Testimony by Anita Lee, Member of the Public, on NYC Food Infrastructure
Anita Lee, a first-time testifier, addressed the NYC City Council on the topic of food infrastructure, focusing on the accessibility and diversity of food distributors at Hunts Point Market. She …
1:50:44
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133 sec
Testimony by Rachel Lyons, Legislative Director of United Food and Commercial Workers International Union on Food Systems and Labor Standards
Rachel Lyons, representing the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, emphasized the importance of including provisions that support good jobs in New York City's food system. She stressed that …
1:54:22
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3 min
Testimony by Karen Karp, President of Karen Karp & Partners, on Food Infrastructure and Affordability
Karen Karp, President of Karen Karp & Partners, testified on the importance of maintaining public food infrastructure like the Hunts Point produce market to ensure food affordability and competition in …
1:57:53
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173 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in opposition to the concept of New York City-owned food stores, calling it a communist idea proposed by DSA and Zohran Mamdani. He argues that this …
2:01:16
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128 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown, Member of the Public
Sharon Brown, a member of the public, testified on various topics related to food access and homelessness. She advocated for getting people into homes and teaching them to grow their …
2:03:32
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126 sec