On September 9, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York submitted testimony to the New York State Assembly Committee on Social Services regarding the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in New York.

CCC testimony described the food insecurity landscape against the backdrop of economic hardship. Families — particularly in Black and brown households — have struggled to access affordable, nutritious food, which can have consequences for a child’s physical and mental health. Although state, nonprofit organizations, and communities have responded to this overwhelming need, barriers to access persist. The testimony’s recommendations on responding to this crisis acknowledge the importance of coupling emergency food assistance with other measures including improving access to government food assistance programs and supporting immigrant families who have been excluded from federal relief programs.