FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2019

Contact: Jennifer Barden
jennifer@risaheller.com | (646) 676-4486

“Hunger is no more likely to make a better job candidate than a low-wage job is to get someone off the pantry lines.”
–Margarette Purvis, President and CEO

New York, NY — Today, the Trump administration announced stiffer work requirements for recipients of federal SNAP benefits, potentially cutting off access for many Americans, including as many as 50,000 New York City residents, and costing New York City’s economy over $100 million in lost benefits.

Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City, issued the following statement in response:

“The Trump administration’s latest attack on SNAP would take food off the table from some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers and Americans: those struggling to find work. The reality of hunger in America is that a job is no longer a balm against poverty and hunger. The Administration’s latest attack creates hunger, not a work incentive. Hunger is no more likely to make a better job candidate than a low-wage job is to get someone off the pantry lines.

“Food Bank For New York City’s recent report found that 85% of our food pantries and soup kitchens reported an increase in first-time visitors last year, with more than half of emergency food programs running out of food, or particular types of food, required to make adequate pantry bags or meals during the holidays. A key group served by Food Bank’s citywide network of charities is the working poor. This administration is already straining the resources that help New Yorkers put food on the table — this new policy is another strategic move in their war on Americans living in poverty.

“No amount of charity can make up for the harm caused by cruel policies. We urge our leaders in Washington and those who stand with the poor and vulnerable locally to stop this administration’s attacks on SNAP, reject this change as Congress did in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, and stand up for low-income Americans who need a little help putting food on the table this holiday season and beyond in 2020.”

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About Food Bank For New York City

For 36 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).