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Q&A
Distribution of CFC locations and addressing gaps in food access
0:33:57
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163 sec
This chapter discusses the distribution of CFC locations across boroughs and zip codes, and how DSS ensures food access in areas of need. First Deputy Commissioner Berry explains the allocation process and collaborations with other city agencies.
- Over 500 CFC locations exist, but they are concentrated in certain boroughs and zip codes
- DSS uses a supply gap analysis to manage food distribution to neighborhoods
- Mobile pantries are used to serve areas lacking brick-and-mortar locations
- DSS collaborates with DOHMH and the Department for Aging on various food access programs
- Council Member Ayala expresses concern about the lack of brick-and-mortar locations in some areas
Diana Ayala
0:33:57
Okay.
0:33:57
We're looking forward to the administration baselining those funds so that we're not having this conversation year after year.
0:34:04
We've been joined by council member Stevens.
0:34:07
There are currently over 500 listed CFC locations, however many of these are concentrated in certain boroughs and zip codes.
0:34:13
How does the the DSS ensure that CFC locations are funded in the in the areas with the most need and how does DSS incentivize or otherwise support CFC providers locations where there may be a mismatch between food access and need?
Jill Berry
0:34:27
So we the application are as I mentioned earlier, the CFC application is open all the time on a rolling basis for any pantry to apply.
0:34:36
So any pantry in any location is can apply.
0:34:42
If any council members know of a pantry not currently receiving funds we do encourage you to have them apply for CFC funding.
0:34:54
But then the way we manage the food going into the neighborhoods is through the allocation process, looking at the supply gap.
0:35:02
So we're really looking at the data of the need in a community and the capacity and ability to meet that need.
Diana Ayala
0:35:10
Okay.
0:35:11
So we know that in some neighborhoods they lack available brick and mortar locations and that prevents providers from operating food pantries and soup kitchens.
0:35:20
Does DSS have any idea on how this could be overcome and how is DSS collaborating with other city agencies such as aging or DOE to ensure access to food services?
Jill Berry
0:35:30
So one of the ways that we are able to meet the need of the lack of the the brick and mortar locations for CFC is we we do fund some of the mobile pantries in the city.
0:35:42
So there's a a number of organizations in the city that have mobile pantries, and those pantries can deliver food into neighborhoods that may not have brick and mortar food pantries.
0:35:52
And that's an important part of the CFC program that we will continue to fund.
0:35:58
We also collaborate regularly with DOHMH and the Department for Aging to make sure that with DOHMH we work closely on a number of programs.
0:36:14
They have a number of programs like Health Bucks, Groceries to Go, Get the Good Stuff are available that we work in partnership they make available to people in receipt of SNAP benefits.
0:36:25
And for the Department of Aging we work very closely with them, especially and in particular on SNAP outreach to ensure that older adults who are eligible for and in need of SNAP benefits apply for and receive them.