On the 19th of March, the NYC Food Policy Alliance gathered in front of City Hall for a Day of Action to protect and strengthen food funding and programs in the FY25 Budget. This was not just an event; it was a vibrant gathering of diverse voices calling for critical investments in food security, urban agriculture and community gardens, community composting, nutritious school meals and more.
Council Member Crystal Hudson (D-35) and the NYC Food Policy Alliance members.
We met with over a dozen City Council Members as they entered City Hall for a stated meeting, sharing our collective priorities for the City’s FY25 budget. Our collective voice, amplified by slogans like "Feed the Future" and "Fund NYC Community Compost," highlighted our dedication to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the welfare of our communities. We stood, signs in hand, advocating for critical funding boosts, including a $60 million necessity for Community Food Connections and supporting urban agriculture initiatives.United under the cause to influence the FY25 Budget towards vital food programs, our demonstration was a display of purpose and passion.
Member Organizations in attendance: Edible Schoolyard NYC, Equity Advocates, City Harvest, Food bank for NYC, United Way NY, UJA, United Neighborhood Houses, Lower East Side Ecology Center, Corbin Hill Food Project, Plant Powered Metro New York, Farm School NYC, Citizens Committee for Children of NY.
The turnout was remarkable, with nearly 20 Alliance members all unified for a greener tomorrow. Representatives ranged from Edible Schoolyard NYC to the Citizens Committee for Children. Keith Carr, Senior Policy & Government Relations Manager at City Harvest, led a soul-stirring chant that inspired passersby and council members alike. A significant moment occurred when an alliance member, guided by Iyeshima Harris-Ouedraogo, the Policy Manager at Equity Advocates, successfully connected with Council member Salaam. This encounter marked a new and rewarding experience for the Alliance member, achieving her first in-person meeting with a council member and leaving her feeling accomplished.
The event marked a pivotal moment where passionate advocacy sparked tangible initiatives, enabling effective networking to open doors for meaningful change, and uniting the community to champion the vital cause of nourishing New York City through thoughtful food policy. This event was not the culmination but a powerful continuation of our relentless drive to shape a food system that reflects the diversity and needs of New Yorkers. This is just the beginning, and we're fueled for the road ahead.
Don’t Scrap Food #NYcFoodPolicyAlliance
Always remember:
One love, one heart, let’s feed the future and be alright
One love, one heart, let’s feed the future and don’t scrap food!