Advocate

Protect New Yorkers from Devastating Food Stamp Cuts

The national anti-hunger safety net is under the greatest threat seen in Food Bank For New York City's 30-year history.  Decisions made in Washington between now and November will determine whether cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) -- our nation's first line of defense against hunger -- will create new hardship for low-income New Yorkers, and plunge New York off a looming Hunger Cliff.

The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are currently debating their respective versions of the Farm Bill, both of which include billions of dollars of cuts that will result in a shortfall of 70-130 million meals in New York City alone.  While the deadline for passage of the Farm Bill is not until September 30^th, both houses could be done with their respective bills by the end of June. That's why we need you to weigh in now.

Tell Congress you won't let New York go off the Hunger Cliff!

Protect and Strengthen the Hunger Safety Net in the Farm Bill

Food Bank For New York City's research shows there are 250 fewer food pantries and soup kitchens in New York City today than at the start of the Great Recession - a loss of 25 percent. The same forces that have left more New Yorkers unemployed and in poverty have also drained our safety net of the resources needed to meet increased need. Food shortages are more pervasive at food pantries and soup kitchens, and when participants are turned away, it is most commonly due to a lack of food. Take action today to protect and strengthen the vital food resources low-income New Yorkers depend on:

Members of Congress are proposing to slash food stamp benefits this year, making it even harder for vulnerable children, seniors and families to keep food on the table at a time when food pantries and soup kitchens have lost resources and are struggling to meet the need. The Farm Bill should be an opportunity to strengthen, not slash, our safety net.  Email your Congress Member now!

Sign On to the Anti-Hunger Policy Platform

Developed by a collective of city and state anti-hunger organizations, the Anti-Hunger Policy Platform for New York State and City 2007–2012 addresses specific federal, state and city hunger-related policies and funding. Focus areas include emergency food funding; access to and availability of government nutrition-assistance programs; and long-term solutions, including the development of city- and statewide offices of food, hunger and nutrition policy.

Take Action > Sign the petition to show your support — as an Individual or an Organization.