Council Member Hanif Boosts Local Food Banks with $20,000 Amid Trump Budget Cuts

Council Member Shahana Hanif recently announced a $20,000 allocation from her FY26 budget to combat hunger in Brooklyn. Each of two organizations, Gotham Food Pantry and Community Help in Park Slope (CHiPS), will receive $10,000. This funding addresses the rising demand for food assistance, especially following significant cuts in federal support.

During a press conference at Gowanus Houses, Hanif criticized former President Trump’s federal policies, which she said harmed vital anti-hunger programs. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed $1 billion in food assistance, impacting programs central to food banks. Currently, over 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is also facing potential reductions.

According to a report by City Harvest, over 1.4 million New Yorkers are food insecure, and visits to food pantries have surged by 85% since 2019. Notably, about 67% of those seeking assistance are employed, highlighting the struggle many face in affording basic needs due to rising food prices.

Gotham Food Pantry, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, has rescued over 10 million pounds of food, serving more than 300,000 New Yorkers. They faced delivery challenges after federal funding cuts, impacting food distributions to local families. Douglas Silver, its director, emphasized the waste of food in a country where hunger persists, noting that systemic issues contribute to this disparity.

CHiPS, operating since 1971, provides over 600 meals daily and recently launched a mobile pantry to extend its reach. Executive Director Peter Endriss mentioned that cuts to federal programs make their work increasingly difficult as demand surges.

Research shows that programs like SNAP not only provide crucial nutrition but also boost local economies. Every dollar spent on SNAP generates about $1.50 in economic activity, making it an effective tool against poverty.

Community leaders, such as William Reid from the Gowanus Houses Tenant Association, stress the importance of grassroots efforts to address hunger. He noted that many residents rely on food distributions for basic needs due to the failures of existing support systems.

As communities rally to support one another, it’s clear that the battle against hunger remains pressing and crucial. A 2021 study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities showed that investment in feeding programs is essential not only for public health but also for economic stability as affected families strive to make ends meet.

City Harvest: Hunger in NYC
USDA Food Assistance Programs

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