Food Bank For New York City applauds President Biden, the House of Representatives, and the United States Senate for their steadfast efforts to strengthen federal nutrition assistance programs in passing the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
NEW YORK – During the past year, Food Bank For New York City has experienced a dramatic surge of residents in need. In a city of 8.4 million, nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers were already stressed by not knowing where their next meal would come from. In fact, many food pantries have seen their number of visitors double, including a 91% increase in first time visitors that reached out to us for food within the five boroughs.
This act invests in supporting our hardest-hit New York City neighbors by facilitating easier access to fresh, nutritious food as our city recovers from the economic fallout of COVID-19. It will help families pay for groceries by giving a 15% boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as food stamps. In New York City, for every meal a food bank provides, SNAP is estimated to provide nine. The plan will also extend the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), which expands food access for children, and a commodity food increase leading to millions of dollars more available for senior nutrition, as well as other dietary and food production programs. In addition, the plan will also give the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) $3.6 billion to purchase food and distribute through nonprofits nation-wide including organizations like ours.
As our nation moves forward, we remain committed to fighting hunger by combating poverty and inequity, and stand with our community and our legislative leaders to fight for investments that serve those in need.
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About Food Bank For New York City
Since 1983, 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 provided more than 80 million free meals last 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 nearly $36 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).
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