Save New York City's Food Pantries!

With rising unemployment and higher costs of living across New York City, food pantries have experienced increased demand. In some cases, such as at Richmond Senior Services in Staten Island, the influx of families has resulted in a shortage of food and resources. According to Beverly Neuhaus, Executive Director of the center, Richmond Senior Services serves 25 percent more people than it did in November 2008. 

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum visited the Staten Island food pantry, where she called on the city to increase funding for emergency food programs and support policies - like improving access to food stamps - to fight hunger in New York City. She was joined by Joel Berg, Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH). Gotbaum said: "As the number of unemployed in New York City contiunues to rise, the city should not turn its back on hungry New Yorkers. Making it easier for them to access food stamps could eliminate some of the demand for pantries. This is a wake up call."

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