Media Contact:
Food Bank Media Relations
212.566.7894
Statement from Food Bank For New York City President & CEO Margarette Purvis:
The proposed policy changes to SNAP benefits would have a devastating impact on thousands of food insecure New Yorkers, forcing them out of supermarkets and into soup kitchens and food pantries. Roughly 1.6 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP, which is a vital resource both for families in need as well as the economic health of our city. By restricting access to SNAP, the Trump administration is penalizing the poor by taking away access to food – putting some of our most vulnerable residents further at risk – and creating a hunger gap that our city’s emergency food network is already straining in their struggle to fill.
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About Food Bank For New York City:
Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs for over 35 years. 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 58 million free meals 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 $150 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. In addition, Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 50,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet on a low budget. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC) and Instagram (FoodBank4NYC).