TODAY: Free Clementines In Stapleton To Combat Food Insecurity, Lack Of Healthy Options Due To Low Income
Have a Free Clementine! Staten Island Community Organizations Unveil Free Fruit Kiosks to Ease Hunger and Food Insecurity
The Clementine Project makes fruit and vegetables available in NYCHA’s Stapleton and West Brighton Houses, where need is acute amid rising food costs
Nearly 50% of New York’s food insecure families say prices are an obstacle to healthy eating, according to state survey
Editor’s note: Staten Islander News has previously reported on food insecurity on Staten Island, including their recent monthly meeting about Blue Star Family surveys, and their meeting about the increasing need for Kosher and Halal food at pantries.
Staten Island, New York – Wednesday, August 21, a coalition of Staten Island-based community groups will unveil two produce kiosks in NYCHA’s Stapleton and West Brighton Houses, helping to expand access to the fresh fruits and vegetables that food-insecure New Yorkers cannot afford.
Have a Free Clementine! Addressing Food Insecurity, One Clementine at a Time will open with remarks from Heather Butts of H.E.A.L.T.H For Youths and Staten Island Hunger Task Force, Christopher Dowling of Staten Island Hunger Task Force, Rev. Terry Troi of Project Hospitality, Rev. Antoinnette Donegan, MAP Engagement Coordinator of Stapleton and West Brighton NYCHA Houses, and Jenny Palaguachi, Healthcare Advocate of the Healthcare Education Project.
Food insecurity is a major issue in these communities, with over 18% of Stapleton-area residents unable to eat enough healthy food to meet their basic needs, which is higher than the national average, according to the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy. Nearly 50% of New York’s food-insecure people say food costs are a major barrier, according to a state health survey.
“The pandemic focused the food insecurity issue not just as a temporary community issue, but as a systemic problem. It has only become more prevalent as inflation and budget cuts have deeply impacted the work of many organizations. Simple solutions like The Clementine Project add dignity and accessibility, helping community residents find proper sustenance,” said Christopher Dowling, Chair of the Staten Island Hunger Task Force
Banner Image: “Buy Food With Plastic” campaign. Image Credit – Khalil Radi
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