On Monday, March 13, 2017, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer and City Harvest’s Director of Policy and Community Engagement David DeVaughn, at the Just Food Conference, held at the Tisch Food Center at Columbia University, to discuss various issues regarding food, hunger, equity, and politics.
Borough President Diaz Jr. touted the importance of New York State becoming a part of a nationwide pilot program that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase their groceries online, an initiative his office helped to spearhead. Borough President Diaz also discussed efforts to combat “food deserts,” promote healthier dietary choices, building sustainable food system for New Yorkers and other local food issues.
“Food insecurity isn’t just a Bronx issue but a national issue that impacts the lives of our most vulnerable communities, from rural towns to the densely populated areas,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Part of the reason I wanted New York State to be a part the SNAP online purchasing pilot program was because we knew we would be a part of a game-changing, forward-thinking initiative that would address some of the concerns surrounding food accessibility. This is the kind of program that will have a long-lasting impact not just on our great borough but across the city, the state and the country.”
(l to r) Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and City Harvest’s Director of Policy and Community Engagement David DeVaughn.