NYC: Authorized Representatives May Apply for D-SNAP on Behalf of those Who Cannot Get to Sites

According to the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), individuals who cannot get to one of the two centers designated to apply for Disaster SNAP assistance, may now go to one of seven Restoration Centers to designate an authorized representative to apply for them.

Click here for specific information on the HRA web site about authorized representatives.

An updated outreach flyer is also available on our Hurricane Sandy Resources page. Keep checking back for the most updated information.

D-SNAP Applications Available in Additional Languages

New York City Human Resources Administration has made applications for Disaster SNAP available in 7 additional languages. Please note: You must apply in person or send a representative. 

Visit Hunger Solutions NewYork's Hurricane Sandy Resources web page to learn more and download them. 

New Poll Shows U.S. Public Supports Continued Investment in Federal Nutrition Assistance Program

A new poll released by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) shows that the American public broadly supports increasing or maintaining funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the new name for the Food Stamp Program. Most Americans also support policies that would improve the nutritional impact of SNAP by promoting the purchase of healthy foods and restricting the purchase of sugary drinks.

“This study provides decision-makers with a clear statement of public support for continued federal investment in preventing hunger and severe poverty through the SNAP program,” said lead author Michael Long, a doctoral candidate at HSPH. “As Congress debates a new Farm Bill, these results show that SNAP participants and the broader public support innovative changes to the program that address the present obesity epidemic and the growing epidemic of diabetes and other diet-related diseases burdening so many of our nation’s families.”

Click here to read more.

New York City Announces Disaster Food Assistance (D-SNAP) for Residents of 12 Zip Codes

New York City's Human Resources Administration (HRA) announced it is gearing up to run a Disaster SNAP/Food Stamps (D-SNAP) program in response to Hurricane Sandy. The program will run Wednesday, December 12 through Tuesday, December 18.

D-SNAP will be available to eligible residents in ten full and two partial zip codes. In order to qualify, applicants must meet specific guidelines and must have suffered damages or lost income from the storm.

Households that qualify will receive a temporary one-time D-SNAP benefit based on household size to help pay for food. The benefit will be available on an EBT card for up to one year.

Click here for the full HRA press release.

Hunger Solutions New York will be posting informational flyers and outreach materials on our website very shortly.

FRAC: December Breakfast Matters Conference Call

From the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC):

December Breakfast Matters Conference Call
Managing Waste in Breakfast in the Classroom


Tuesday, December 13, 2012
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Concerns about waste disposal are a common logistical issue when schools move breakfast into the classroom.  There is also heightened interest in recycling and minimizing landfill garbage in school communities.  Join this call to learn how schools are managing waste disposal in breakfast in the classroom programs, while teaching children about conservation and ecology.

Click here to register. 

NYC: All School Lunches are Free in December

In response to Hurricane Sandy, New York City has received a federal waiver to make school lunches free in the month of December.  

From the New York City Department of Education: 

School Food is pleased to announce that all school lunches for all students will be free for the month of December. Thanks to a special federal waiver, all lunches are free to all New York City students for the month. While the City continues to recover from Hurricane Sandy, we hope you will enjoy our delicious and nutritious lunches at no cost. As always, breakfast is free for all students daily.

For more information please visit the NYC Department of Education website.

New Yorkers Hardest Hit under Proposed "Heat & Eat" Cuts

With the fate of the Farm Bill in Congress' hands, it is important to remember who will be hit hardest if certain cuts are passed.

It's another big cut that's looming as part of the "fiscal cliff" negotiations in Congress, and local anti-hunger advocates say New Yorkers would shoulder more than their fair share of the proposed cuts. Linda Bopp, executive director of Hunger Solutions New York, says 500,000 households nationwide could lose "heat and eat" benefits, and a whopping 300,000 of those families all live in New York state.

Click here to read more.

December Summer Meals Matter Conference Call

From FRAC (Food Research and Action Center):

December Summer Meals Matter Conference Call




Community Partnerships

Tuesday, December 4, 2012
1:00pm - 2:00 pm


Community partnerships can support your summer meal program in a variety of ways and can help ensure you have access to the resources you need to implement a successful program. These partnerships can help you increase participation at your sites, provide innovative and engaging programming for the children in your care, and assist you with more logistical concerns, such as meal preparation and delivery. Learn how to build and maintain these essential partnerships to the benefit of the children you serve throughout the summer months.

Click here to register.