Advocacy
Advocacy for Underserved New Yorkers: Fighting Food Insecurity and Meeting Essential Needs
In one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the reality of hunger and unmet basic needs is a stark contradiction. The NYC Mayor’s Office found that over a million New Yorkers face this daily struggle. That’s why we work tirelessly to advocate for systemic change and community-driven solutions.
Despite New York City's global prominence, it is home to vast economic inequalities. In neighborhoods where families cannot make ends meet, food insecurity remains a widespread issue. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this crisis. Many families are forced to make impossible choices — deciding between paying rent, medical bills, or putting food on the table.
Food insecurity in NYC disproportionately affects people of color, immigrants, and low-income families. These people include working-class families, seniors on fixed incomes, and an alarming number of children who go to bed hungry. While there are organizations trying to meet these needs, the gap between what is available and what is necessary continues to grow.
Advocacy for Systemic Change
Addressing food insecurity and access to basic supplies extends beyond simply providing meals or items. It is primarily about transforming the systems that allow poverty and inequality to persist. To this end, advocacy is a fundamental pillar of our mission. We strive to not only support those in immediate need but also push for long-term changes that keep many New Yorkers trapped in cycles of poverty.
Our advocacy efforts focus on several key areas:
1. Improving Access to Public Assistance Programs
Many New Yorkers are eligible for food assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) but face bureaucratic hurdles that prevent them from accessing these benefits. We therefore advocate for streamlining such programs to ensure that more families can access the support they need without unnecessary delays.
2. Addressing Wage Inequality and Economic Justice
At the heart of food insecurity is the issue of income inequality. Far too many New Yorkers work full-time yet are unable to afford basic necessities. Half of NYC households do not have enough money to comfortably hold an apartment, access sufficient food and basic health care, and secure transportation, according to a report from the Fund for the City of New York. In turn, we support policies that increase wages, protect workers’ rights, and ensure that people can thrive without being economically marginalized.
3. Increasing Support for Local Food Pantries and Community Initiatives
Grassroots efforts such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and community fridges are often underfunded and overburdened. That’s why we aim to secure more funding and resources for these crucial community supports. As a result, they can effectively serve those in need.
4. Raising Awareness About Food Waste and Redistribution
The NYC Food Policy Center found that food waste comprises approximately 18% of all NYC waste. That amounts to more than 250,000 tons of wasted food and food scraps each year. Meanwhile, millions go hungry. We therefore advocate for policies that promote the redistribution of fresh, surplus food to communities in need.
How You Can Help
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Contact your local NYC officials to demand greater support for food assistance programs and wage equality. Your voice can amplify the needs of the underserved and result in legislative change.
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Your financial contributions help us continue our advocacy work and allow us to directly support those in need. Whether it’s providing meals to a hungry family or buying hygiene products for someone in need, your donations make a real impact.
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Share our mission with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about the issue of NYC food insecurity and the work we’re doing to address it, the greater our collective impact will be.
Building a Better Future
Food insecurity and lack of access to essential supplies are not problems that can be solved overnight. But through sustained advocacy, we can forge a better future for all New Yorkers — one where no one has to choose between feeding their family and paying their rent, where children don’t go to bed hungry, and where everyone is treated with dignity.