New York Council urged to restore funding for hunger and immigration services

Food insecurity among New York's Asian community has reached alarming levels, driven by federal funding cuts, anti-immigrant policies, and economic instability. During a recent city council meeting, advocates highlighted that one in three Asian residents live in low-income households, with many facing significant hardships. The situation is particularly dire for older adults, 42% of whom are classified as low income.

Community organizations are struggling to meet the rising demand for food assistance, as they grapple with limited resources and increasing theft of EBT benefits. Advocates called for urgent city support to bolster community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide essential services. Recommendations included the rollout of chip-enabled EBT cards to prevent theft and increased funding for culturally competent food programs.

Tania Matos, executive director of Unlocal, urged the council to preserve funding for immigration legal services, emphasizing the importance of programs that assist individuals representing themselves in court. Cuts to these services could lead to more people facing deportation without adequate support.

Emily Brett, director of the Greenpoint Hunger Program, echoed the need for increased funding, advocating for the restoration of $100 million for food assistance. She stressed that hunger impacts not just physical health but also mental well-being, calling it a destabilizing threat to communities.

The meeting also revealed systemic issues within the Department of Homeless Services, with testimonies highlighting discrimination and mismanagement affecting vulnerable populations. Advocates urged the city to prioritize future planning and ensure that budget allocations effectively support those in need.

As the city grapples with these pressing issues, the call for action is clear: addressing food insecurity and supporting immigrant communities must be at the forefront of the city's budgetary decisions.