Opinion: Local Nutrition Programs Are More Important Than Ever

“With federal nutrition assistance facing an uncertain future, local organizations must step in to fill the gaps. But programs like ours are already stretched thin, and we will rely even more heavily on local government if federal support is cut.”

Access to nutritious food remains out of reach for too many New Yorkers. New reporting shows food insecurity has reached crisis levels: one in three adults and nearly half of families with children experience food hardship, and food pantries are facing unprecedented demand. This comes as inflation continues to strain budgets, and the future of critical benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is uncertain.

As director of Alliance for Positive Change’s Food and Nutrition Services, I witness daily how access to nutritious food transforms lives. Through our pantry program, daily meals, nutrition group workshops, and nutrition counseling, individuals can manage chronic health conditions with nourishing food. We serve low-income New Yorkers living with HIV, diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders, and heart disease—conditions where proper nutrition isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential medicine.

Food is also an entry point to other forms of support. It is common for someone to come through our doors for a hot meal, and to stay to engage with the other services we offer that enhance well-being, from harm reduction to connection to housing.

The stakes are particularly high for the nearly 1.8 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits. The new presidential administration aims to slash the safety net, and SNAP is on the chopping block. Any cuts to the program would be particularly harmful to those in high-cost areas like New York, where the average monthly food costs for a family is over $1,000

With federal nutrition assistance facing an uncertain future, local organizations must step in to fill the gaps. But programs like ours are already stretched thin, and we will rely even more heavily on local government if federal support is cut.

Investment in these local efforts is an investment in public health. Access to healthy food is a social determinant of health—low-income, food-insecure adults experience higher rates of chronic health conditions. For example, in the South Bronx, food insecurity affects nearly a quarter of residents; 20 percent of adults in the community are living with diabetes, which is four times the rate of food-secure neighborhoods. Therefore, every dollar spent on nutrition education and food access programs saves on health care costs down the line.

Food insecurity also has mental health implications, heightening depression and anxiety. It is incredibly stressful and exhausting to spend energy thinking about where your next meal is going to come from. It also makes it harder to focus and succeed at work or in school, perpetuating cycles of instability. 

Consistent access to healthy food has a tangible impact on real people’s lives. For example, I am currently working with “Sam,” whose experience mirrors that of many New Yorkers we serve. He lives in a shelter and has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Before coming to Alliance, he was constantly worried about where his next meal would come from. Through our community meals and food pantry, he has been able to reduce his stress and improve his nutritional status to better manage his health.

New York City must increase funding for community-based food programs, ensuring organizations like ours can meet growing demand and prepare for compromised federal support. This includes expanding food pantries, nutrition education, and cooking classes that teach practical skills for healthy eating on a budget.

Now is the time for New York City to demonstrate its commitment to addressing complex social challenges by expanding and protecting our vital food security programs. The future health of our city depends on the choices we make today. Let’s choose to ensure every New Yorker has access to the nutritious food they need to live healthy, productive lives. The cost of inaction is too high. 

Melissa Gallanter, RDN, is the director of food and nutrition services at Alliance for Positive Change.