October 23, 2013
CONTACT: Emma Woods, emma@berlinrosen.com, 646-200-5303
Cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Mean Annual Loss of 76 Million Meals For New Yorkers in Need – More Food Than Food Bank For New York City Distributes in a Year
New York, NY – With a $17 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) set to take effect on November 1, Food Bank For New York City released the following statement from President& CEO Margarette Purvis.
“New York City is on the edge of a hunger cliff. In a few short days, nearly two million of our friends, family members, and neighbors will suddenly have less money for food, and their fight to keep themselves and their families from going hungry will get a lot harder. $29 less each month for a family of three may not sound like much to some New Yorkers, but for those already struggling to get by, this cut will be devastating. We must stand together and tell Congress to protect our vital hunger safety net – reverse these heartless cuts and take all additional cuts to SNAP off the table.”
ABOUT THE CUTS:
November 1, 2013: 76 million meals lost: This November, sweeping cuts to SNAP benefits will take effect, resulting in the estimated loss of 76 million meals for New York City residents. A household of three will lose, on average, $29 per month in SNAP benefits – or nearly $19 million per month in New York City alone. These cuts are the result of a dealstruck in December 2010 in order to pay for a $0.06 per meal increase in federal school lunch reimbursements as part of the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.” While the White House promised to work with Congress to restore the funds before the cuts could take effect, the promise has yet to be fulfilled.
New York City alone will lose more than $225 million a year in food purchases, which is money that supports jobs in our retail food sector and throughout the economy. The loss of 76 million meals over a year is more food than Food Bank For New York City – the largest food bank in the country with a robust and experienced network of 1,000 charities – distributes annually.
About Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City recognizes 30years as the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs. As the city’s hub for integrated food poverty assistance, Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of community-based member programs citywide, Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need.
Food Bank’s hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.