FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2020

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

New York, NY — Yesterday, the Supreme Court lifted the injunctions stopping the Trump Administration’s Public Charge rule change that attempts to create a wealth test for immigrants seeking legal permanent residence.

New York’s network of food pantry and soup kitchens has already reported that fear is causing immigrant community members to avoid food assistance for which they qualify. Food Bank For New York City President and CEO Margarette Purvis said:

“This decision strikes a major blow to communities throughout our city and country. We have already seen the threat of this rule have a chilling effect – it drove families away from accessing vital programs and services like SNAP for which they are eligible, and pushed them to the doorsteps of our city’s most strained soup kitchens and food pantries.

“The public charge rule is not only biased but it creates hunger in New York City. It is an attack on low-income immigrant communities and American children born into immigrant households.

“We applaud the steadfast leadership of New York State Attorney General Letitia James who fought against this rule change in court, and we urge New Yorkers to raise your voice by encouraging the administration in Washington to immediately reverse the changes to the Public Charge rule.”

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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).