06/05/2026
Our Executive Director Dr. Mark Chatarpal joined ’s legislative breakfast and panel on food access and affordability in New York City, in partnership with , featuring a keynote . He addressed the scope of food insecurity and lack of food affordability across the city, including among college students, and spoke to the importance of local food procurement for the new municipal grocery stores and of culturally relevant food assistance. He also discussed the impact of the recent HR1 changes to SNAP work requirements and eligibility, and how emerging food voucher programs help make food more accessible for immigrant New Yorkers who are no longer eligible for federal assistance.
Thank you to moderator (City & State New York) and fellow panelists Council Member , Leslie Gordon (Food Bank For NYC), Thomas McNeil (), and Taina Rodriguez () for such a thoughtful conversation. We’re grateful to be working alongside such dedicated partners to build a city where every New Yorker can access affordable, nourishing, culturally relevant food with dignity.