Volunteer Profile: Lea Elton

How much do you know about the connection between voter turnout and food security in NYC? Data shows that neighborhoods with the highest food insecurity also have some of the lowest voter turnout rates. This means these communities are not fully using their political power. At Food Bank For New York City, we aim to build power in the communities we serve. Advocacy is a key part of our mission and increasing voter participation is essential to that. When neighbors have the information they need to vote—like knowing their polling site and understanding the candidates—they're more likely to cast their ballot and make their voices heard. Scroll below to see how you can help empower potential voters with the tools and resources they need to thrive! Food Bank For New York City's advocacy team works with partners on the federal, state, and local levels to push policies that protect food insecure New Yorkers. Pictured above at City Hall with advocates from across the five boroughs. Why Voting Matters for Food Security Low voter participation in communities impacted by hunger means they may not be fully represented in policy decisions that directly impact their ability to access the food and resources they need to thrive. Why? Well, the truth is that neighborhoods with higher voter participation get more attention from candidates and officials, while areas with lower turnout are often overlooked. If we can help increase voting in these communities, we can help ensure that policymakers focus on the issues that matter most. We know that government resources help lift people out of food insecurity and poverty. In 2021, federal pandemic relief drove the poverty rate down to a record low of 8%. When that aid stopped, the poverty rate rose to 12.4% in a year. Similarly, the Child Tax Credit expansion in 2021 created the largest single year drop in child poverty ever, which reversed after the expanded credit expired. Unfortunately, these incredible results alone were not enough to create lasting policy change. That’s where voting comes in. When we vote, and encourage others to vote, we make lawmakers take notice of the policies and programs that make a difference in the lives of the New Yorkers we serve. How You Can Help Every vote has the power to change the future for families in New York City. Many elections, especially local ones, are decided by just a few votes, so by voting, you help push for policies that empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. Turning a nonvoter into a voter is another way to make impactful change. Voters are more likely to contact elected officials and advocate for themselves, their families, and communities. Basic information from a trusted messenger like Food Bank about where, when, and how to vote helps new voters participate. A potential voter educated about the basics is a likely voter. And feeling that your voice, and your vote, matters is empowering. Take Action Today Volunteer with Us: Join our efforts to empower communities and provide resources for those in need. Sign up for our Action Alerts: Be the first to learn about the policies we’re fighting for and the actions we’re taking to uplift our neighbors. Register and Make a Plan to Vote: Make sure you are registered and ready to vote in upcoming elections. This link will also allow you to see where candidates running in your area stand on the issues that matter to you. Be a Voting Resource: Share information about the upcoming election with others in your network.