Urge the Mayor and City Council to Invest in Community Food Connections

Enhancing anti-hunger programs reduces the prevalence of child poverty and contributes to better health, education, and community outcomes across a child’s life. These investments are more important than ever as the increase in cost of living is greatly impacting grocery affordability, shrinking food supports for families and increasing child hunger. Food costs in New York City made up the fourth largest share of overall annual household spending (12.5%) at $11,288, exceeding the national average in the US at $9,664. This represents a 56% change from 2013.  According to the New York State Comptroller’s April report titled “The Cost of Living in New York City: Food,” food prices in New York City have risen 25.2% since 2019, hitting low-income households and “food desert” neighborhoods the hardest.

Additionally, the US House of Representatives recently passed a budget reconciliation bill that will slash $300 billion from SNAP over the next 10 years if it is enacted, essentially cutting this lifeline program by nearly 30% and threatening SNAP benefits across the country.

Community Food Connections (CFC) provides funding to over 700 pantries and soup kitchens to help New Yorkers access food. CFC is a vital resource for families needing extra help in accessing healthy food options. Funding for programs like CFC is critical to combat food insecurity in New York City.

Your voice is needed—send a message to the Mayor and City Council to invest in Community Food Connections to help address increasing food prices, looming federal cuts to SNAP, and provide critical support for marginalized communities facing worsening affordability and food insecurity crises.