Assemblyman Nader Sayegh
OP-ED by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh
In a state as prosperous as New York, no one should go hungry. Yet, food insecurity remains a critical issue in communities across the state, including right here in Yonkers. The rising cost of groceries, compounded by economic uncertainty, have placed far too many families in the heartbreaking position of having to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. This is unacceptable, and it is our responsibility to act.
As your Assemblyman, I have seen firsthand how food insecurity impacts individuals and families from all walks of life. It’s not just an issue for low-income families, though they are hit hardest. Working-class families, seniors on fixed incomes, and even young people are increasingly affected by this growing crisis. Food insecurity is about more than just hunger – it affects physical health, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life.
That is why I am committed to making sure we prioritize programs and policies that tackle food insecurity head-on. During my time in office, I have worked to secure additional funding for local food banks and community organizations that provide essential services to those in need. My office regularly sponsors and aids different weekly food drives in Yonkers to provide to those most in need. I’ve met with community leaders, visited food pantries, and listened to the stories of those struggling to put food on the table. These stories fuel my determination to ensure that no one in Yonkers, or in New York State at large, goes without the nutritious meals they need.
One of the key ways we can address this issue is by expanding access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides critical support for low-income individuals and families, but many who are eligible do not receive the benefits they need. That is why my colleagues in the State Legislature and I approved more than $5.5 million for SNAP outreach and application assistance through the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP), maintaining the $2 million investment in expanded services in the 2024 State Budget. I also supported funding more than $145 million for the expansion of free school meals through the federal Community Eligibility Provision, $250,000 in sustained funding for Child and Adult Care Food Program outreach, more than $57 million for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), and more than $54 million for Nourish NY.
I have also supported legislation that increases funding for emergency food programs and strengthens partnerships with local farms through Farm-to-Food Bank initiatives like Nourish NY, which helps people who are food insecure to access the nourishment they need, while providing a market for farmers to sell their products. Strengthening this link between local agriculture and community-based food programs is a win-win solution that improves nutrition and boosts our local economy.
It is also essential that we invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing. By tackling these systemic issues, we can build a more resilient and food-secure community.
I am incredibly proud of the work done on the State and local level to support food banks and ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have access to nutritious food, but we must do more. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in our food systems, and we must seize the opportunity to build a stronger, more equitable food infrastructure that serves all New Yorkers.
As your Assemblyman, I will continue to fight for the resources our community needs to combat food insecurity. But addressing this issue requires a collective effort. I encourage everyone to get involved – volunteer at a local food pantry, donate what you can, and advocate for policies that ensure no one goes hungry.
Together, we can make sure that all members of our community have access to the basic dignity of a full plate and a healthy future.
