City’s major hunger relief organization urges Congress to continue protecting children, seniors and veterans who rely on SNAP
(NEW YORK) — Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representative failed to pass a Farm Bill that would have slashed funding for SNAP by more than $20 billion over the next ten years. In response Margarette Purvis, President & CEO of Food Bank For New York City, released the following statement:
“On behalf of the one in five New Yorkers who rely on food pantries and soup kitchens, I applaud the members of Congress who stood with the millions of children, seniors, working families and veterans who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. We thank the members of New York City’s Congressional delegation for taking a stand against hunger, and urge Congress to craft a Farm Bill that will protect our most vulnerable neighbors and allow low-income Americans to afford the food they need to thrive.
“More than 1.6 million hard-working low-income New Yorkers depend on SNAP to make ends meet. Any cuts will only increase hunger and hardship among the most vulnerable of our neighbors. Our city’s soup kitchens and food pantries already run short of food, and cannot fill in the gap if SNAP is cut.
“Today’s vote gives Congress a new opportunity to craft legislation that reduces hunger and ensures every American has the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
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About Food Bank For New York City
For 35 years, Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 61 million free meals per year for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put more than $110 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 50,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet and active lifestyle on a limited budget. Working toward long-term solutions to food poverty, Food Bank develops policy and conducts research to inform community and government efforts. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC) and Instagram (FoodBank4NYC).