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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Abdullah Younus, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations at United Way of New York City
4:09:35
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119 sec
Abdullah Younus from United Way of New York City advocates for expanded funding of $100 million for the Community Food Connections (CFC) program in the FY '26 budget. He emphasizes the program's importance in addressing food insecurity and building resilient food infrastructure in New York City.
- Food pantry visits have increased by 85% since 2019, highlighting the ongoing food insecurity crisis.
- CFC provides predictable funding for local organizations, enabling effective planning and a shift from reactive to systemic approaches.
- The program emphasizes dignity, neighborhood trust, and access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
Abdullah Younus
4:09:35
Good afternoon chairs Brannan Ayala and council member Brewer.
4:09:40
My name is Abdul Younis.
4:09:41
I'm vice president of advocacy and government relations at United Way of New York City.
4:09:45
I'm here today to express strong support for expanded funding for the community food connections program that you've heard a lot about today.
4:09:51
In this year's budget, we wanna call for the FY '26 budget to implement the City Council's own vision and recommendation of $100,000,000 in baseline funding for this program, which was not addressed in the mayor's executive budget.
4:10:04
Community Food Connections is a proactive approach to building resilient food infrastructure.
4:10:08
It emphasizes dignity, neighborhood trust, and access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
4:10:14
It acknowledges that our emergency food systems were never actually intended to be permanent fixtures.
4:10:19
However, for many New Yorkers, they've become exactly that.
4:10:22
At United Way, we collaborate with over 400 community based organizations across all five boroughs and serve around 10 tens of thousands of New Yorkers weekly.
4:10:32
In the wake of COVID, food insecurity remains alarmingly high.
4:10:35
Visits to food pantries are up 85% since 2019 and have not gone down.
4:10:40
Worse, we've already begun to see pauses in federal programs such as the emergency food and shelter program which currently owes $1,250,000 to 97 local CBOs.
4:10:51
CFC offers a solution.
4:10:52
It provides predictable funding enabling local organizations to plan effectively.
4:10:58
It shifts our approach from reactive to systemic, fostering a food system that is equitable and sustainable.
4:11:05
We know this model works because we've seen its impact firsthand.
4:11:08
With sustained and enhanced support, CFC can serve as a blueprint for effective public private collaboration when it comes to food access.
4:11:16
New Yorkers are counting on us.
4:11:18
No one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.
4:11:22
We urge New York City Council to prioritize fully funding this program with $100,000,000 in demonstrating leadership and compassion that this moment demands.
4:11:30
Thank you for your commitment to building a more just and food secure city.