Hunger in The City

The New York City non-profit world has been abuzz the last few months over a much disputed allocation process controlled by City Council, the City Council Discretionary Funds. After an investigation revealed nepotism (in NYC, gasp!) and bogus foundations receiving funding (dishonest accounting again astonishing!), the media jumped on the Discretionary Funds process, some calling for an end to Discretionary giving altogether. Yet for the vast majority of legitimate non-profits, these funds are a vital and stable source of income. They allow city council members to give back to their communities and impact small organizations like mine, that might otherwise fail. (In full disclosure, my organization receives $10,000 in City Council funding that goes directly to operating our programs, and I thank Letitia James for her interest and continued concern for our programs).

Yet all this talk about corruption obscured two efforts that the City Council has been a big part of in all 5 Boroughs.

Food Stamp Enrollment- Thanks to the efforts of Food Change, the Food Bank for New York City, City Council, HRA and New York City Coalition Against Hunger, HPCAH is one of a handful of sites piloting a new program that would allow people dignity when applying for food stamps, by enrolling them in community centers. The program has largely been a success, with the number of people in Brooklyn enrolling growing each day. I am most impressed, however, by the difference that this program can make in how people feel about food stamp enrollment. On Thursday, a proud immigrant family who had fallen on hard times came in and in relative privacy were able to enroll in food stamps to help feed their growing families. The man, educated, a former shopkeeper, and proud was not forced into the cattle call usually associated with food stamp processing. He was treated as a human being. Removing enrollment barriers for food stamps is one of the main ways to fight hunger, and make sure federal food stamp dollars do not go unspent.

On Wednesday, a further initiative was announced by Speaker Christine Quinn. This initiative would alert medicaid recipients who do not receive food stamps that they may, in fact be eligible for food stamp benefits. While this may seem like a no-brainer, the food stamp process of yore was filled with misinformation, long lines and arbitrary decision making. In fact, most people assume they somehow will not be eligibile and if they do receive support that it will be a very small amount (like $17 a month). Hardly worth the hours in an overheated waiting room and the intrusive questions.

Yet the importance of these initiatives are felt beyond individuals. Ms. Quinn, in the press conference noted the following;

1. Food stamp money brings money into the local economy. It is federal money that should be spent for food locally.
2. Food stamp money helps alleviate some of the stress on local food pantries. It is an additional $200 a month in food for many families.
3. Food stamp money is going unspent. That is taking money out of the pocket of low-income New Yorkers and the economy.

The scandal in Discretionary funding is unfortunate, but it is a shame that legitimate efforts such as money that goes to support vital programs and food stamp enrollment programs are not deemed as newsworthy. Working on the front lines of hunger each day, I am grateful for the support of Letitia James, Speaker Christine Quinn and others in the fight against hunger and poverty for needy New Yorkers.

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