Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes, Updates, Future Plans To Help Families On Island Make Ends Meet

 

 

Editor’s note: Previously, Staten Island Hunger Task Force shared the increased difficulty local families have been facing in making ends meet, which is expected to get worse as SNAP processing costs are shifted to the states, increasing their burden by 25%. Island residents were encouraged to help their community members in need by greater involvement, whether through donations of food, money, or time volunteering.  

Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes January 5, 2026

Attendees: Susan Fowler, Heather Butts, Antoinette Donegan, Alemayehu Ayele,

Alex Hughes, Stephanie Nieto, Stephanie Shavuo, Christopher Dowling, Natasha Pernicka, George Barreto, Cathy carlson, Lynnel Bruno, Crystal Aneke, Delila Nadal, Pam, Danielle Parks, Rev. Faith Togba, Paloma Wasserstein, Steven Kaufman, Terry Troia, Dawn Bridgeford, Monique Thomas, Teddy Odobo-Sheriff, Salomon, Ginny Mantello,Tommy Bond, Giomelly Barton

Key Points

• 4:02–4:06 PM: Meeting opened; attendees arrived; brief  banter and tech setup.
• Agenda adjustment: Susan requested time for high school       student presentations; confirmed to be included under CHASI/pantry-related       updates.
• 4:06 PM: Chair introduction. Antoinette Donegan       (Central Family Life Center) announced as new chair; Alex Hughes (Project       Hospitality) introduced as vice chair; Steven Kaufman (Staten Island JCC) as secretary.
• Moment of silence held in memory of Chris Dowling’s wife; community support affirmed.
• Minutes status: October minutes seen; November/December       minutes delayed due to file corruption (“Wingdings” issue). Tommy will recreate the minutes.
• Microgrants update: Dr. Butts reported 13 microgrants       to be distributed starting “tomorrow” and over the next couple of weeks;       recipients to confirm via email; planned site visits to deliver checks,       assess needs, and support data collection.
• 501(c)(3) update: Process going well; EIN and       incorporation in progress; formal filings forthcoming; more updates next       meeting.
• Legislative Breakfast planning: Set for Friday,       February 20 at 10:00 AM at 211 Canal Street (Project Hospitality Community       Kitchen); target ~80 attendees; state keynote requested (Susan Zimet if       available; otherwise state SNAP Director or OTDA assistant commissioner).       Invites planned for Food Bank, City Harvest, United Way.
• Data committee: Tommy will send forms to collect 2025       pantry data; Columbia fellows and Work Learn Grow students will assist;       aim to have data ready for the Legislative Breakfast.
• Student presentations (Difference Makers: St. John’s       University program with Port Richmond and Curtis High Schools, working       with CHASI):
  • CHASI offers fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy; CHASI        Mobile covers 31 stops; access by texting “FOOD” to 726-879 (as stated).
  • Challenges: St. John’s        Pantry—transportation/accessibility due to steep hill and unreliable S51        bus; St. Mary’s Pantry—outreach and visibility deficits.
  • Proposed solutions: Deploy CHASI Mobile to serve        hard-to-reach clients; leverage onsite social worker (Clara) for SNAP        appointments; strengthen outreach via local businesses, kiosks, and high        school engagement for volunteers.
  • Note: Project Hospitality may offer similar supportive        services; Alex/George to provide details.
• CHASI services: SNAP screenings, applications,       recertifications, and insurance enrollment/renewals via NY State       Marketplace at storefront and mobile pantry; storefront staffed by 2–3       navigators; home visits provided for clients with mobility/transport       issues.
• Mobile pantry workflow: Referrals and appointment       scheduling conducted by community health worker (Clara); screenings may       not occur on-site.
• Project Hospitality (PH): Hiring a health advocate for       real-time screenings on mobile routes; current partnership with United       Way’s Connect to Care.
• PH mobile cadence: SOMOS conducts monthly health       screenings typically on the second Tuesday of the month through March; PH       has 2–3 navigators; appointments accepted and some walk-ins depending on       location/time.
• Smaller pantries (e.g., St. John’s Episcopal, St.       Mary’s Episcopal) lack resources like social workers/community health       workers; proposal to convene small pantries to identify gaps and leverage       larger pantries’ mobile services.
• Social Care Network (SCN): Urgent emphasis on utilizing       SCN funding to connect eligible pantry clients to services (food delivery,       lockers, transportation, household needs, housing) through March 2027;       immediate urgency stressed to avoid underspending. CHASI integrated SCN       screenings at storefront and mobile pantry (via “Channels”);       transportation can be funded to access pantries/lockers.
• Abraham’s Tent (Rabbinical Alliance): Provides monthly       produce deliveries to St. John’s and St. Mary’s; can secure additional       items; makes 8–9 mobile stops monthly on Staten Island.
• City Harvest: Previously supported St. Mary’s monthly;       support stopped due to funding/model changes; CHASI added a monthly       distribution to cover the gap; City Harvest representative (Dawn) present       and available for questions.
• Ongoing Saturday SCN screenings at Trinity Lutheran       Church (~9 AM until done); suggestion to expand self-administered QR-code       screenings.
• Proposal for PH and CHASI to rotate visits to       interested pantries to explain the screener, train staff, and conduct       on-site screenings; multi-step engagement recommended; consensus to       organize weekend outreach “blitzes.”
• State advocacy: Speaker Natasha Pernica (Alliance for a       Hunger Free New York; Executive Director, Food Pantries for the Capital       District) discussed statewide collaboration, events, and data.
• Upcoming events:
  • The People’s State of the State press event next        Monday at 11:00 AM at the NYS Legislative Office Building (advocacy for        HPNAP, Nourish NY, expanding direct contracts).
  • New York State Food Summit in June; RFPs to be        announced.
• Data and mapping:
  • Alliance maintains New York State Food Connect map;        Staten Island data is outdated (e.g., last update shown as 2022) and        incomplete.
  • SIHTF has a Google map/list of all Staten Island        pantries; plan to share data to update NYS Food Connect; Columbia student        team assisting; Tommy as local data lead.
• LinkNYC kiosks advertising:
  • Susan proposed using kiosks to share QR codes linking        to social care network resources; broad participation encouraged.
  • Chris noted constraints (vendor-created graphics only,        limited metrics, cap of four locations/month) but plans to redo        campaigns; suggested organizations run their own ads.
  • Susan shared prior metrics of 57,000 impressions;        suggested tracking QR code hits via CHASI’s analytics.
• Community needs and SNAP: Discussion of including       satellite sites (schools) and food lockers in mapping; linking families       through schools to pantries; acknowledged increased impacts from SNAP       changes; executive board plans to address awareness/support.
• Logistics and next meeting: Next meeting noted as the       first Monday of February (transcript noted February 2; participants to       watch for official notes). Minutes to be sent for approval once technical       glitches are resolved. Meeting ended around 5:00 PM; executive board, Chris,       Tommy, and Dr. Butts remained for internal updates.

Decisions Made

• Include high school student presentations in the       meeting agenda under pantry-related updates.
• Proceed with Legislative Breakfast planning for Friday,       February 20 at 10:00 AM at Project Hospitality Community Kitchen (211       Canal Street).
• Conduct microgrant distribution via onsite visits over       the next couple of weeks, combining check delivery with needs assessment       and data support.
• Proceed with planning a February session to revisit Social       Care Network engagement and rollout to more pantries.
• Establish/explore a rotation for PH and CHASI to visit       interested pantries to provide training and conduct screenings.
• Consider implementing QR code-based needs assessment       surveys at pantries with space constraints (e.g., St. Mary’s).
• Collaborate to upload SIHTF’s Google map data to the       NYS Food Connect map; Susan to provide link; Natasha to share with her       team.
• SIHTF executive committee to consider LinkNYC kiosk       advertising for pantries and the social care network.
• Internal commitment to address SNAP cut impacts and       community awareness in upcoming executive board actions.

 

Key Points

• 4:02–4:06 PM: Meeting opened; attendees arrived; brief       banter and tech setup.
• Agenda adjustment: Susan requested time for high school       student presentations; confirmed to be included under CHASI/pantry-related       updates.
• 4:06 PM: Chair introduction. Antoinette Donegan       (Central Family Life Center) announced as new chair; Alex Hughes (Project       Hospitality) introduced as vice chair; Steven Kaufman (Staten Island JCC)       as secretary.
• Moment of silence held in memory of Chris Dowling’s       wife; community support affirmed.
• Minutes status: October minutes seen; November/December       minutes delayed due to file corruption (“Wingdings” issue). Tommy will       recreate the minutes.
• Microgrants update: Dr. Butts reported 13 microgrants       to be distributed starting “tomorrow” and over the next couple of weeks;       recipients to confirm via email; planned site visits to deliver checks,       assess needs, and support data collection.
• 501(c)(3) update: Process going well; EIN and       incorporation in progress; formal filings forthcoming; more updates next       meeting.
• Legislative Breakfast planning: Set for Friday,       February 20 at 10:00 AM at 211 Canal Street (Project Hospitality Community       Kitchen); target ~80 attendees; state keynote requested (Susan Zimet if       available; otherwise state SNAP Director or OTDA assistant commissioner).       Invites planned for Food Bank, City Harvest, United Way.
• Data committee: Tommy will send forms to collect 2025       pantry data; Columbia fellows and Work Learn Grow students will assist;       aim to have data ready for the Legislative Breakfast.
• Student presentations (Difference Makers: St. John’s       University program with Port Richmond and Curtis High Schools, working       with CHASI):
  • CHASI offers fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy; CHASI        Mobile covers 31 stops; access by texting “FOOD” to 726-879 (as stated).
  • Challenges: St. John’s        Pantry—transportation/accessibility due to steep hill and unreliable S51        bus; St. Mary’s Pantry—outreach and visibility deficits.
  • Proposed solutions: Deploy CHASI Mobile to serve        hard-to-reach clients; leverage onsite social worker (Clara) for SNAP        appointments; strengthen outreach via local businesses, kiosks, and high        school engagement for volunteers.
  • Note: Project Hospitality may offer similar supportive        services; Alex/George to provide details.
• CHASI services: SNAP screenings, applications,       recertifications, and insurance enrollment/renewals via NY State       Marketplace at storefront and mobile pantry; storefront staffed by 2–3       navigators; home visits provided for clients with mobility/transport       issues.
• Mobile pantry workflow: Referrals and appointment       scheduling conducted by community health worker (Clara); screenings may       not occur on-site.
• Project Hospitality (PH): Hiring a health advocate for       real-time screenings on mobile routes; current partnership with United       Way’s Connect to Care.
• PH mobile cadence: SOMOS conducts monthly health       screenings typically on the second Tuesday of the month through March; PH       has 2–3 navigators; appointments accepted and some walk-ins depending on       location/time.
• Smaller pantries (e.g., St. John’s Episcopal, St.       Mary’s Episcopal) lack resources like social workers/community health       workers; proposal to convene small pantries to identify gaps and leverage       larger pantries’ mobile services.
• Social Care Network (SCN): Urgent emphasis on utilizing       SCN funding to connect eligible pantry clients to services (food delivery,       lockers, transportation, household needs, housing) through March 2027;       immediate urgency stressed to avoid underspending. CHASI integrated SCN       screenings at storefront and mobile pantry (via “Channels”);       transportation can be funded to access pantries/lockers.
• Abraham’s Tent (Rabbinical Alliance): Provides monthly       produce deliveries to St. John’s and St. Mary’s; can secure additional       items; makes 8–9 mobile stops monthly on Staten Island.
• City Harvest: Previously supported St. Mary’s monthly;       support stopped due to funding/model changes; CHASI added a monthly       distribution to cover the gap; City Harvest representative (Dawn) present       and available for questions.
• Ongoing Saturday SCN screenings at Trinity Lutheran       Church (~9 AM until done); suggestion to expand self-administered QR-code       screenings.
• Proposal for PH and CHASI to rotate visits to       interested pantries to explain the screener, train staff, and conduct       on-site screenings; multi-step engagement recommended; consensus to       organize weekend outreach “blitzes.”
• State advocacy: Speaker Natasha Pernica (Alliance for a       Hunger Free New York; Executive Director, Food Pantries for the Capital       District) discussed statewide collaboration, events, and data.
• Upcoming events:
  • The People’s State of the State press event next        Monday at 11:00 AM at the NYS Legislative Office Building (advocacy for        HPNAP, Nourish NY, expanding direct contracts).
  • New York State Food Summit in June; RFPs to be        announced.
• Data and mapping:
  • Alliance maintains New York State Food Connect map;        Staten Island data is outdated (e.g., last update shown as 2022) and        incomplete.
  • SIHTF has a Google map/list of all Staten Island        pantries; plan to share data to update NYS Food Connect; Columbia student        team assisting; Tommy as local data lead.
• LinkNYC kiosks advertising:
  • Susan proposed using kiosks to share QR codes linking        to social care network resources; broad participation encouraged.
  • Chris noted constraints (vendor-created graphics only,        limited metrics, cap of four locations/month) but plans to redo        campaigns; suggested organizations run their own ads.
  • Susan shared prior metrics of 57,000 impressions;        suggested tracking QR code hits via CHASI’s analytics.
• Community needs and SNAP: Discussion of including       satellite sites (schools) and food lockers in mapping; linking families       through schools to pantries; acknowledged increased impacts from SNAP       changes; executive board plans to address awareness/support.
• Logistics and next meeting: Next meeting noted as the       first Monday of February (transcript noted February 2; participants to       watch for official notes). Minutes to be sent for approval once technical       glitches are resolved. Meeting ended around 5:00 PM; executive board, Chris,       Tommy, and Dr. Butts remained for internal updates.

Decisions Made

• Include high school student presentations in the       meeting agenda under pantry-related updates.
• Proceed with Legislative Breakfast planning for Friday,       February 20 at 10:00 AM at Project Hospitality Community Kitchen (211       Canal Street).
• Conduct microgrant distribution via onsite visits over       the next couple of weeks, combining check delivery with needs assessment       and data support.
• Proceed with planning a February session to revisit Social       Care Network engagement and rollout to more pantries.
• Establish/explore a rotation for PH and CHASI to visit       interested pantries to provide training and conduct screenings.
• Consider implementing QR code-based needs assessment       surveys at pantries with space constraints (e.g., St. Mary’s).
• Collaborate to upload SIHTF’s Google map data to the       NYS Food Connect map; Susan to provide link; Natasha to share with her       team.
• SIHTF executive committee to consider LinkNYC kiosk       advertising for pantries and the social care network.
• Internal commitment to address SNAP cut impacts and       community awareness in upcoming executive board actions.

Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes December 1st 2025

Attendance List unvailable

Overview

This document summarizes a series of meetings held by the Staten Island Hunger Task Force on December 1, 2025. The discussions focused on the escalating food crisis on Staten Island, exacerbated by a federal government shutdown, delays in November SNAP benefits, and new, stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients. Key efforts included coordinating food distribution through a “hub and spoke” model to support smaller pantries, securing grants and fellowships, and planning for upcoming officer elections. The Task Force also engaged with new partners like Emblem Health and Five Borough Veterans to leverage additional resources and volunteers. A major concern was the immediate strain on food pantries, with some seeing double their usual number of clients, and the uncertainty surrounding federal funding for SNAP.

Key Topics

• The meeting is held on the first Monday of every month       from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, but this session was extended to 5:30 PM to discuss       changes to SNAP benefits.
• The agenda was reordered to allow the Mayor’s Office       for Food Policy to present their report around 4:10 or 4:15 PM.
• The meeting minutes from the previous session were       formally approved.
• The group discussed the current food crisis, which is       exacerbated by job losses and budget cuts.
• The Staten Island Hunger Task Force was highlighted as       a key, well-organized resource for coordinating hunger relief efforts,       which is a unique advantage compared to other boroughs.
• The primary goal is to work together as a network of       pantries to create consistent and accurate messaging for the public       regarding needs and how to help.
• Attendees who are not on the mailing list were       instructed to sign up for the newsletter on the hungryonstatenisland.com       website to receive regular updates.
• The chat transcript, containing contact information and       resources, was made available for attendees to save to their local hard       drives.
• The next meeting is scheduled for the first Monday in       December from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Organizational Development

• The Hunger Task Force is in the process of obtaining       its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to overcome limitations and expand its       operational capacity.
• The organization is working with a law firm through       Lawyers Alliance and has begun the process of becoming a corporation, which       is the first step.
• The goal is to officially become a 501(c)(3) by early       to mid-2026.
• Members interested in getting more involved at the       board level were encouraged to express their interest.
• The current chair’s one-year term ends next month, and       elections for all officer positions will be held.
• The positions of Chair, Vice Chair (currently       Antoinette Donegan), and Secretary are open. The Secretary position has       been vacant for several months.
• Interested individuals can email current or past       officers to express their interest.
• Nominations are already being accepted, with the       election scheduled for next month. New officers will assume their roles in       January.

Grants and Fellowships

• The Task Force secured a $3,500 grant from the Citizens       Committee for New York City.
• The nonprofit Health for Youths contributed an       additional $500, bringing the total to $4,000.
• This funding created a six-month fellowship for two       students from Columbia University, Lucy and Alana, who will each receive a       $2,000 stipend.
• The fellows started their first day and will be working       on data analysis and collaborating with pantries until they graduate in       May.
• The Task Force received a $1,500 grant from the       Neighbors Feeding Neighbors fund, also through the Citizens Committee.
• This funding was used to create microgrants of $150       each for 10 local pantries.
• The nonprofit Health for Youths has committed to       matching this amount, offering to fund an additional 10 pantries with $150       microgrants.
• The application deadline for these microgrants has been       extended to Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Event Acknowledgement

• A special thank you was given to Donna Scimeca from CSI       for her significant role in organizing the recent Forum on Hunger on       College Campuses.
• The event was considered a great success, and a       follow-up is being planned.
• Catholic Charities will host a community Thanksgiving       meal for those who need a place to go.
  • Location:        120 Anderson Avenue in Port Richmond.
  • Date & Time:        Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
  • The event is sponsored by Our Lady Help of Christians        Church in Tottenville.
  • Attendees can eat on-site or take home-cooked meals to        feed their families, though full turkeys will not be provided.

Hunger-Free Campus Act

• The Hunger-Free Campus Act is a bill sponsored by       Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal that has been in the state assembly and       senate for several years.
• The task force hopes to see the bill pass in the       upcoming legislative session beginning in January 2026.
• A series of webinars and forums have been held to       support the bill, with another virtual session planned in the next couple       of months.

Food Security and Local Support

• Assemblyman Pirozzolo’s Initiatives:
  • He will partner with local supermarkets to support        food security efforts.
  • He will sponsor the Clementine Collective at CSI and        the one at the Health for Youth Building at 120 Victory during the week        of December 8, 2025.
  • His office is hosting a food drive for canned goods        and is working with local businesses to collect more donations.
• Councilmember Hanks’ Initiatives:
  • Her office is partnering with the Hunger Task Force to        identify food drop-off locations for the public.
  • The Health for Youths location at 1253 is one of the        identified sites.
• The Staten Island Unity Coalition, representing over 20       Black-led community organizations, expressed a desire to help address the       crisis and connect volunteers to the right places.
• The group will work on getting the word out about how       community-based organizations and individuals can volunteer and contribute       effectively.
• It was suggested that individuals interested in helping       should reach out directly to a pantry in their area to find out its       specific needs.
• Michael was introduced as a collaborator with the       Veterans and Service Members Task Force at SIPS.
• He offered to connect the group with volunteers and       provide support for their advocacy needs.
• Due to time constraints, Michael was invited back for a       future meeting to give a longer, more detailed presentation on his       programs and how the community can get involved.

SNAP Eligibility Changes and Funding

• New Work Requirements (ABAWDs):
  • Federal exemptions for New York State regarding        Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) have been removed,        effective immediately.
  • Individuals considered “able-bodied” who are        not employed at least 80 hours in a two-week period will lose their SNAP        benefits after three months. This means benefits could be cut off by        February 2, 2026.
  • This rule applies to single people and families with        children over the age of 14. Previously, the exemption applied if        children were under 18.
• Assistance for Affected Individuals:
  • Affected individuals should see their HRA eligibility        specialist or visit a Project Hospitality Help Center for assistance in        filing an exemption.
  • Help Centers are located at 205 Canal Street in        Stapleton and 221 Port Richmond Avenue, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday        through Friday.
• State and Federal Funding:
  • A $5 billion federal contingency fund for SNAP was        mentioned on a government website but has since been removed, creating        uncertainty about funding.
  • The governor has committed a total of $106 million        ($41 million plus $65 million) for food pantries.
  • This funding will be distributed to major        organizations like Food Bank and City Harvest, who will then provide        additional food to their registered pantries. It is not a direct payment        to individual pantries.
• November SNAP benefits will be delayed due to the       federal government shutdown.
• The USDA initially stated it could not use contingency       funds, but recent court rulings and administrative decisions indicate that       roughly $5 billion in contingency funds will be used to partially fund the       program.
• It is unclear when or how these partial payments will       be issued, as the available funds do not cover the full $8 billion needed       for November 2025.
• Local SNAP centers remain open, accepting new       applications and processing recertifications. EBT cards with existing       balances continue to work.
• State Response:       The state has published a website listing available resources for those       affected.
• City Response:
  • The city has allocated an additional $15 million to        the Community Food Connection (CFC) program, which provides funding        directly to over 700 community-based food organizations.
  • The Mayor’s Office of Food Policy has compiled a list        of resources for impacted SNAP recipients.
• Food Bank for NYC:
  • New funds totaling $106 million are being added to the        existing HPNAP and Nourish programs.
  • The Food Bank is focusing on increasing distribution        across its network, particularly in neighborhoods with high SNAP        participation.
• A correction was made regarding the work requirement       for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDS) on SNAP.
• The requirement is 80 hours per month, which averages       to 20 hours per week.

Open Issues & Risks

• It is unclear how homebound elderly or handicapped       individuals will access food if their SNAP benefits stop.
• Many smaller, church-based pantries may not be eligible       to receive the additional food being distributed from the state’s $106       million fund.
• Many SNAP recipients did not receive their November       2025 benefits, causing immediate hardship and fear within the community.
• SNAP Funding Uncertainty: It remains unclear when and how partial SNAP payments       for November 2025 will be issued, creating significant uncertainty for the       1.8 million New Yorkers who rely on the program.
• Resource Strain:       Food pantries are already seeing a surge in demand and risk being       “wiped out” of supplies, a problem expected to worsen around       Thanksgiving 2025.
• Transportation Gaps:       There is a need for transportation to deliver meals to homebound       individuals, as demonstrated by the request from Faith United Methodist       Church.
• The “hub and spoke” model for food       distribution on Staten Island is still in its early stages and not fully       operational, posing a risk to meeting the immediate, increased demand for       food.
• Smaller pantries are facing a near-term risk of running       out of food due to a doubling of clients and need an immediate solution       for sourcing more supplies.
• It is unclear how new pantries, like the one proposed       by Central Family Life Center, can be quickly integrated into the existing       food supply chain during a time of high demand.

Surge in Food Pantry Demand

• St. Mary’s Episcopal Church experienced a significant       increase in demand, serving 150 families on a Saturday when they normally       serve 60 to 80, completely depleting their supplies.
• This highlights a critical need for pantries to       coordinate and share supplies to manage unexpected surges in clients.
• Thanksgiving 2025 is approaching, and there is an       expectation of very high demand for food assistance.

Social Care Network (SCN) Program

• The SCN program is a resource for certain Medicaid       participants that is being promoted as an additional source of food       assistance.
• Services can include food boxes, medically tailored       meals (up to 21 per week), home-delivered meals, and transportation for       non-medical appointments.
• On Staten Island, the SCN is the Staten Island       Performing Provider System (SIPPS).
• Information about the SCN program is now available by       calling 311, where operators can screen callers for Medicaid participation       and direct them to their borough’s SCN.
• This is a pilot program through Medicaid that ends in       March 2027, so eligible individuals are encouraged to sign up now.

Information and Resource Coordination

• Staten Island Hunger Task Force Website: The website hungryonstatenisland.com lists most local pantries. A new flyer is being       developed to group pantries by neighborhood.
• Information Accuracy:       Some pantry information on the website is outdated. Organizations are       urged to email updates to ensure the information is corrected.
• SNAP Eligibility Screening: Project Hospitality offers eligibility specialists at       two locations for people who need to be screened for SNAP:
  • 221 Port Richmond Avenue (Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM)
  • 211 Canal Street in Stapleton
• Rethink Food Initiative:
  • Faith United Methodist Church receives cooked meals        through the Rethink Food program.
  • They will receive 185 cooked meals from a Lebanese        restaurant this Saturday.
  • They are seeking partner organizations with        transportation to help deliver meals to homebound individuals on        Saturdays around 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
  • Applications are available for other organizations        interested in temporary distribution partnerships with Rethink Food.

Connecting Pantries with Food Suppliers

• Several smaller food pantries, such as Harvest Food Pantry,       are experiencing a significant increase in clients and are at risk of       running out of food. They are seeking connections to larger food supply       organizations.
• The “hub and spoke” model was discussed as a       potential solution. In this model, large organizations like City Harvest       deliver pallets of food to designated “hubs” on Staten Island,       which then distribute the food to smaller “spoke” pantries.
• Health for Youth is exploring the possibility of       becoming a hub, given its 10,700 square foot building and large parking       lot.
• The Rabbinical Alliance’s COJO Food Pantry already       operates as a hub, picking up from City Harvest on Tuesdays and       distributing to 10 other pantries. However, the current demand exceeds       this capacity.
• A major point of discussion was the need to improve       access to food from large hubs like Food Bank and City Harvest for       smaller, local pantries.
• A key mission is to figure out how to utilize the $106       million available to these larger organizations to better supply the       smaller pantries.
• The group will work on coordinating with these hubs to       get food to the pantries where it is most needed.

City Harvest Collaboration

• A representative from City Harvest, Dawn, joined the       call to address the requests.
• While the hub and spoke model is a goal for Staten       Island, it is still in the beginning stages and focus has recently shifted       to emergency deliveries due to the SNAP situation.
• Dawn agreed to provide a list of current mobile pantry       stops and locations where City Harvest is sending food.
• She will also connect with organizers offline to       discuss next steps for linking smaller pantries with existing distribution       points, such as Project Hospitality.
• Central Family Life Center expressed interest in       starting a new mobile pantry and has the space and staff available, but       needs a connection to a food source. They were advised to discuss the       logistics offline.

Emblem Health Food Security Program

• Nazneen Rahman from Emblem Health introduced their new       food security program, which includes food giveaways at their Neighborhood       Care centers.
• Emblem Health sponsors the City Harvest Stapleton       mobile market and is hosting its own food distribution events.
• At the 1050 Clove Road location, they will give away       200 bags of fresh produce and sometimes meat/poultry.
• Upcoming food giveaway dates at the Clove Road location       are:
  • November 11, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • December 18, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • January 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• The Annandale location will host subsidized farmer’s       markets every other month starting in January 2026.

Five Borough Veterans Initiative

• Michael Matos introduced Five Borough Veterans, a       501(c)4 advocacy organization focused on the veteran community in New York       City.
• He highlighted the significant reliance on SNAP       benefits among veterans and military families, with 1.2 million veterans       nationwide depending on the program.
• The organization launched the “Advocate and       Alleviate Initiative” to address food insecurity.
  • Advocate:        As a 501(c)4, they can engage in political lobbying and plan to partner        with other organizations to lobby Congress to protect the SNAP program.
  • Alleviate:        They have a volunteer force ready to assist food pantries with        distribution, collection, and processing.

 

Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes November 3rd 2025

Attendance list unavailable

Key Topics

• SNAP policy update and ABAWD waiver termination in New       York
  • USDA guidance released in early October aligned        largely with expectations but accelerates timelines. New York’s        long-standing waiver exempting most of the state from ABAWD time-limited        requirements was ended early by USDA notification on October 3.
  • The waiver, previously set to run through February        2026, ended effective November 2, 2025. Beginning November 3, individuals        considered ABAWDs under prior rules are newly subject to time limits        unless meeting work requirements.
    • ABAWDs are only eligible for SNAP for three months in         any three-year period if not meeting work requirements.
    • Because SNAP provides a full month of benefits if         eligible on the 1st, the three-month countdown starts December 1; first         losses of benefits would occur March 1.
  • Local social service districts (e.g., NYC DSS/HRA)        will notify identified ABAWDs and start their three-month countdowns. New        applications will include ABAWD screening; current recipients not        previously identified will be screened at recertification.
  • Scale of impact: estimated “more than about 200,000”        current recipients immediately affected; approximately “a million” New        Yorkers could ultimately lose eligibility due to multiple changes,        including expansion of ABAWD age from 54 to 64 and inclusion of some with        older children.
• SNAP benefits during the shutdown and contingency       funding
  • Courts have ruled that the administration must use        contingency funds to provide November SNAP, though execution depends on        administrative follow-through.
  • Partial November benefits are anticipated because the        contingency fund is about $5-ish billion, while national monthly SNAP        costs are about $9 billion.
    • Benefits may post to EBT more than a week after         administration; November payments will be delayed and may be partial,         varying by person.
  • Concern remains for December: there is no contingency        fund identified for that month. Participants emphasized the need for full        November benefits and a shutdown resolution.
• New York State response
  • The governor announced $41 million “fast-tracked” to        HPNAP and Nourish New York (already-allocated funds delivered sooner),        plus an additional $65 million ($20 million for Nourish New York; $45        million for HPNAP).
  • Distribution details are unclear. These programs are        highlighted as especially effective for religiously observant populations        (e.g., kosher needs).
  • Even with added funds and partial SNAP, overall need        exceeds available state dollars.
• Operational realities and community observations
  • Increased demand at pantries: one pantry served 90        households in a day, with many first-time visitors.
  • Structural state-level issues reported:
    • Food banks must empty warehouses at fiscal year-end,         creating summer gaps when HPNAP “doesn’t work.”
    • Funding arrives in tranches; legislative funds often         come late and then expire at end of February, compressing spending         windows.
    • A change about a year and a half ago eliminated         retroactive application of purchases between grant cycles, creating 6–8         week windows with no usable HPNAP for some regions.
  • Funding flow and purchasing:
    • Some organizations cannot make purchases and backfill         once funds arrive; they must wait until funds are live, especially for         legislative funds that “aren’t live until they’re live” and expire quickly.
  • Community-facing initiatives:
    • Rockland County pantries discussed a targeted         “appropriate donations” drive (focusing on needed items rather than         general clean-out donations) at supermarkets and town halls.
    • Questions raised about county-level allocations         (e.g., a potential $2 million county vote for food pantries) and         coordination for kosher/halal supply with regional food banks (e.g.,         Kiryas Joel in Orange County; Monsey/Tomie Shabas in Rockland).
• Advocacy perspectives and systemic reform ideas
  • Participants expressed frustration with piecemeal,        short-term fixes (e.g., partial SNAP) while structural barriers persist.
  • Suggested directions included stronger advocacy for:
    • Stable, upfront annual funding rather than fragmented         tranches.
    • Eliminating forced warehouse emptying and mid-year         funding gaps.
    • Simplified or automatic enrollment approaches so         eligible households remain continuously covered.
  • Concern that chaotic changes will discourage eligible        people from applying or maintaining SNAP participation.
• Funding environment and recent reallocations
  • Participants noted recent communications indicating        additional CFC/City funds and the mayor’s announcement resembled the        initial $41 million approach: not new money, but accelerated release of        already-allocated funds. This is helpful in the short term but does not        represent a sustained increase.
  • Organizations expressed gratitude for immediate        flexibility, while highlighting operational challenges of retroactively        planning for mid-cycle funds.
• Rising demand across WIC and food pantries
  • WIC demand has sharply increased, with phones        “ringing” and no appointments available until January; staffing is        insufficient to meet the surge. Clients are worried about losing SNAP and        prioritizing essentials like infant formula.
  • Pantry sign-ups and attendance are up significantly.        One organization reported a 700–800 percent increase in sign-ups in        October, driven by anticipated SNAP changes starting Saturday. Networks        are increasing distributions and lowering access barriers temporarily.
• Community response and donations
  • High holiday food drives saw unprecedented generosity;        clients increasingly request grocery gift cards and coupons. Delivery        programs report households “stocking up,” keeping inventories full for        now, but there is concern about what happens after drives taper off.
  • A caution was raised that one-time surges may create a        false sense of resolution among the public, risking reduced attention and        support next year despite likely higher need.
• Client impacts and equity concerns
  • Caseworkers and caregivers are more present,        reflecting heightened anxiety among vulnerable households, including        those in group homes and facing benefit cuts. The group emphasized that        food is a core social determinant of health, and cuts disproportionately        harm the most vulnerable.
• SNAP timeline and state-level risks
  • Partial benefits may reach some SNAP recipients this        week, but March 1 was flagged as a real cutoff, after which people will        lose SNAP with no expectation of reinstatement. Up to 1 million people        may become ineligible in the coming year as recertifications proceed.
• State advocacy agenda
  • Education on kosher and halal standards for        intermediaries
    • Require education on kosher/halal standards for         direct contractors and intermediaries (e.g., food banks, HPNAP         administrators), not for volunteer-run pantries. Goal: reduce food waste         and mismatches by improving procurement and distribution practices.
  • Increased HPNAP and Nourish New York funding
    • Original coalition ask centered on $75 million each;         participants signaled readiness to push higher based on recent state         actions and projected federal losses. Rationale includes inflation,         sustained demand, and the comparatively small share of the state budget         these programs represent.
    • A framing proposal emphasized “doubling” program         funding as a clear, politically resonant message, noting the economic         and social return and that reduced investment will cost more later.
  • Regionally appropriate kosher/halal allocations
    • Use a data-informed, region-specific percentage of HPNAP         and Nourish NY funds for kosher/halal foods, reflecting concentrated         needs in some areas and lower concentrations elsewhere. Data from Met         Council and partners can inform allocations and prevent waste.
  • Long-term goals
    • A living section to be expanded over time; not         finalized in this session.
• Positive framing of long-term goals
  • A suggestion was made to rephrase problem statements        to emphasize strengths and supports, such as “enhanced education” instead        of “lack of knowledge” and a gentler term than “oversight,” e.g.,        “hand-holding to serve those.”
  • The group agreed to adopt a more positive,        strengths-based framing for the advocacy materials and goals.
• Long-term objective
  • Office of Kosher Hall in New York State
    • The proposed office would centralize expertise to         ensure state food assistance programs appropriately serve religiously         observant populations.
    • It aims to standardize state-level guidance and         relieve individual programs from having to maintain specialized         expertise internally.
    • Programs mentioned included HPNAP, Nourish, the         Medicaid redesign program, and the social care network.
    • Timing was clarified: this is a long-term vision and         is not expected to occur in the current legislative session or in 2026.
• Review of draft advocacy materials
  • Draft “leave-behinds” and educational one-pagers were        shared via chat for content review; participants were asked to spend 3–5        minutes reading and then provide feedback on what works, what to adjust,        and what to exclude.
  • The drafts are first versions, currently text-heavy,        and will be made more succinct and aesthetically improved later; the        immediate focus is on content accuracy and clarity.
  • Aesthetic feedback is welcome, but minor visual issues        are expected to change before finalization.
• Document access and distribution
  • There were initial issues accessing files in the main        chat; these were addressed, and links were made accessible.
  • One participant could not access the main chat and        needed to leave for another meeting; it was confirmed that materials will        be sent out and that a survey may be circulated for additional feedback        after the meeting.
• Advocacy planning for kosher and halal food access
  • Advocacy data and community shifts impacting service        delivery
    • A participant highlighted increased Muslim         populations upstate following migrant busing, emphasizing the need for         up-to-date data to adapt food pantry operations.
    • Existing survey data from 2023 and 2024 is available         at the county level but is “about two years behind”; there is interest         in more regular data collection and pushing the state to monitor needs         statewide while safeguarding community safety and privacy since religion         is not on the census.
  • Albany Advocacy Day planning and availability poll
    • The group is planning an Albany Advocacy Day, aiming         to represent kosher and halal needs without being overshadowed by         broader statewide food insecurity advocacy.
    • A poll with potential Tuesday/Wednesday dates in         February was launched to gauge availability; Wednesday the 28th is the         Food Banks’ advocacy day. Final dates are not set.
  • Purpose and audience of educational and advocacy        one-pagers
    • One-pagers are intended for elected officials,         community providers, and others new to kosher/halal needs as an         introductory step.
    • Feedback suggested making materials more         action-oriented for officials (e.g., how to stimulate local production         capacity like kosher/halal poultry processing) and less dense for those         unlikely to read detailed content.
    • The group is considering tailoring: educational         basics for providers vs. clear action items for policymakers, including         potential requirements for purchaser education on kosher/halal.
  • Framing advocacy to resonate with policymakers
    • Suggestions included linking to economic development         (jobs in districts), retrofitting facilities, and forming cross-sector         “task” orientations akin to assembling partners to meet regional needs.
    • Positioning dietary accommodation as analogous to         allergies (not merely “nutrition”) may help communicate dignity and         necessity.
  • Pantry capacity, dignity, and volunteer constraints
    • Concerns were raised about volunteer burnout and         declining volunteer availability in the tri-state area, the aesthetics         and dignity of long lines, and the need for more direct funding to         pantries to manage rising operational demands.
  • Incorporating on-the-ground narratives in advocacy
    • There is interest in featuring volunteer and client         stories (with comfort and consent) at local, regional, and Albany levels         to humanize needs beyond policy and management perspectives.
    • The group welcomes a diverse delegation to Albany,         including volunteers and clients who are comfortable sharing         experiences.
  • Supply planning and education to prevent stockouts
    • An example showed kosher poultry (chicken and         turkeys) funded via a Food Bank was sold out quickly after lower orders         were placed due to last year’s surplus, illustrating the need for         purchaser education on consistent demand patterns.
    • Educational materials paired with advocacy could         guide procurement decisions to better align with kosher/halal demand.
  • Long-term structural solution
    • Specialized kosher/halal distribution network
      • A proposal suggested establishing regional, parallel          kosher/halal food banks or distribution networks that pantries could          order from directly, easing the burden on general food banks.
      • Initial feedback from a central New York food bank          leadership was positive, acknowledging procurement challenges through          current systems.
      • Met Council leadership views a specialized          organization as a potentially “best solution,” albeit a significant          upfront ask within a competitive funding environment; continued          development of this idea is a promising state-level advocacy goal.
• Feedback and review of prepared materials
  • The group emphasized the importance of incorporating        diverse priorities and perspectives into the materials, as they represent        collective work.
  • Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on        improvements and areas to expand, and to reach out via email or to        schedule meetings as needed.
  • One suggestion was to adjust visual elements (e.g.,        making the Met Council logo larger) and to seek opinions from community        religious leaders to ensure the materials reflect varying levels of        adherence, including halal considerations.
  • It was noted that current definitions are based on a        prior report reviewed by experts in the space; however, adding another        review and explicitly acknowledging expert validation in the document        would enhance legitimacy.
• Communication and support amid evolving federal context
  • The team is tracking federal-level developments and        encouraged attendees to reach out with questions, thoughts, or concerns.
  • They underscored the value of addressing these issues        within communities and offered ongoing support, recognizing that        conditions are changing quickly and can feel chaotic.
• Community and collaboration emphasis
  • The meeting reinforced the power of working        collectively, encouraging participants to share concerns, fears, and        solutions as a community.
  • Appreciation was expressed for attendees’ time and        perspectives, with acknowledgement of this being a difficult period.
• Scheduling and next steps
  • The next meeting is scheduled for December 8,        identified as a Monday.
  • A follow-up email will be sent, including dates for        the advocacy day and a survey, along with the discussed materials.
• Open Issues & Risks
  • Unresolved program funding and timing
    • It is unclear if and when full November SNAP benefits         will be delivered; December funding has no identified contingency         source.
    • Distribution specifics for the additional $65 million         to HPNAP and Nourish New York are not defined.
  • ABAWD policy impacts and communication
    • Large numbers may lose eligibility due to expanded ABAWD         criteria (up to age 64) and tightened timelines; risk of confusion and         drop-off from the program.
    • Clarity is needed on screening processes and exemptions         support at application and recertification.
  • Operational constraints and structural risks
    • State-level rules (warehouse emptying, tranche-based         funding, February expirations, no retroactive crediting) create         procurement gaps and inefficiencies.
    • Delays in “fast-tracked” funds and legislative funds         create uncertainty and may inhibit timely purchasing.
  • Community needs and cultural/faith-based access
    • Rising demand, including new households, strains         pantry capacity.
    • Ensuring consistent kosher and halal supply across         counties remains uncertain and requires coordination.
  • Unresolved funding targets
    • The exact ask for HPNAP and Nourish NY remains         unsettled (whether to hold at $75 million or push higher/double).         Alignment with food banks and Feeding New York State is pending.
  • SNAP cutoff risk
    • March 1 represents a hard deadline after which         recipients will lose SNAP with no expectation of restoration. This may         substantially increase pressure on emergency food systems.
  • Capacity and access constraints
    • WIC sites report no appointments until January, and         pantries face overwhelming sign-ups and limited staffing. It is unclear         how agencies will scale to meet sustained demand.
  • Sustainability of community support
    • Current donation surges may fade, risking future         shortfalls once holiday-driven generosity declines.
  • Data requirements for regional allocations
    • Implementing regionally appropriate kosher/halal         percentages depends on compiling and sharing adequate need data across         regions; roles and timelines for data provision are not defined.
  • Unresolved
    • Final date for Albany Advocacy Day is not set;         availability varies and consensus may be difficult.
    • The scope and format of one-pagers by audience         (educational vs. action-oriented) need further refinement.
    • Requirements or standards for purchaser education on         kosher/halal are not yet defined.
  • Unclear
    • Who will coordinate the collection and regular         updating of statewide need data is not specified.
    • The process for recruiting and preparing         volunteers/clients to share narratives remains undefined.
  • Risk
    • Ongoing document access issues in the chat could         limit timely feedback unless materials are reliably distributed via         alternative channels.
    • Outdated data (from 2023 and 2024) may misalign         advocacy and procurement decisions with current needs.
    • Volunteer shortages and burnout could impair pantry         operations and client dignity (e.g., long lines).
    • Limited and competitive funding may hinder         development of a specialized kosher/halal distribution network.

 

 

Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes October 6th 2025

Attendance: Heather Butts, Dawn Bridgeford, Hank Tuell, Antionette Donegan, Gary Chin, Carol Coissito, Rev. Faith Togba, Terry Troia, Tommy Bond, Lynell Bruno, Steven Kaufman, Danielle Parks, Delila Nadal, Rosanna Robbins, Susan Fowler, Lisa Vega, Dr. Ginny Mantello, George Barreto, Alex Hughes, Teddy Odobo-Sherif

Heather Butts –

 

Kicked off the meeting

The Task Force is working with Lawyers Alliance attorneys to file for federal tax-exempt status using IRS Form 1023, expected to submit within the next couple of weeks.

The process is faster than past experiences; the group hopes to achieve 501(c)(3) status by early next year.

Achieving 501(c)(3) is critical to pursue larger grants, matching funds, and broader support initiatives

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors: $1,500 (crowdsourced funds with no restrictions).

• The group voted by show of hands to distribute $1,500 as $150 each to 10 pantries.

• Plan to publicize through the Citizens Committee and set a return-by date to release funds before the holidays; readiness targeted by the next meeting.

Citizens Committee: $3,500 (previously noted), earmarked for graduate student assistance on data gathering and supporting ongoing efforts by the data committee

Elections are typically in December for terms starting in January; this year follows that schedule.

Open positions include Secretary and Vice Chair; current Vice Chair (Antoinette Dunnigan) may run for Chair.

Interested candidates should notify organizers within the next month to be included on the ballot; brief candidate pitches may occur at the November meeting.

A summer pilot was completed with Mailman School of Public Health; a larger effort will be conducted using a Citizens Committee grant (not the $1,500).

Aim to have students in place by the next meeting, and certainly by December, to provide preliminary updates and support ongoing efforts

Food For All Federal Policy Update

Terry Troia –

Anticipated federal budget cuts may reduce supportive housing funding; approximately 125 to 150 Staten Islanders currently receiving HUD support (formerly homeless) may lose funding, increasing pantry demand.

Proposed TEFAP eligibility change would bar non-citizens, non–green card holders, and individuals without legal status from receiving TEFAP-funded pantry food, significantly impacting service capacity since many pantries rely on TEFAP allocations.

Suggested response: call pantries to quantify what percentage of clients could be affected by the TEFAP rule change.

Scheduled for 2025-10-15 to generate program/project ideas for Staten Island; hybrid (in-person with lunch and via Zoom).

Venue to be confirmed; the Carter Center was suggested with an offer to connect with Amanda for coordination and space; broader outreach to follow once logistics are set.

Rosanna Robbins – City Harvest Food Distribution Growth and Geographic Coverage

Food distribution growth and targets:

Delivered 2.7 million pounds in FY24 and 2.9 million pounds in FY25 (increase of 300,000; FY25 closed in June).

Goal for FY26 is 3.8 million pounds, adding close to another million pounds over FY25 levels.

Strategy focuses on deepening existing partnerships and onboarding new partners to increase volume to Staten Island.

New partners and capacity investments:

About seven organizations joined since February; most are food pantries, some with multiple locations or mobile sites.

Investments include equipment for produce handling, personnel grants, leadership development (peer cohort), and workshops/training.

Prioritizing partner capacity to move more food effectively.

Geographic coverage and supply gaps:

Greatest supply gaps shown in brighter pink areas; significant activity on the North Shore, with sizable gaps in Mid-Island and parts of South Shore.

Mobile distributions help cover areas lacking brick-and-mortar sites; the mobile layer is not fully comprehensive and may lag changes.

City Harvest vetted over 50 locations and recruited about seven; not all sites fit partnership criteria due to food types, distribution frequency, and operational model.

Mobile vs. brick-and-mortar considerations:

Fewer pantries in Mid-Island and South Shore; challenges engaging some sites.

Mobile pantries fill gaps where brick-and-mortar capacity is limited; brick-and-mortar sites face space and utility cost challenges.

Example: Kojo mobile pantry serves multiple Mid-Island/South Shore locations, including Eltingville and Manor Heights.

Produce Pals school-based program:

Monthly food delivery to families with regular nutrition education; PS 13 is a new Staten Island site.

Program is new (about four schools now; planning up to six this year; three schools last year) and requires school commitment to ongoing nutrition and culinary education.

Expansion could include schools with existing culinary programs; City Harvest provides food while schools deliver education.

Partner recruitment, fit, and referral pathways:

Interested organizations should contact City Harvest staff (Rosanna, Dawn; Diana leads recruitment) to begin vetting.

Preference to deliver directly to the site distributing to clients; if food is routed via other organizations, City Harvest wants to vet all locations receiving its food.

Some current partners serve clients across all Staten Island zip codes and beyond, indicating physical pantry location does not fully reflect service reach.

Hub model discussion:

A hub model (one large site receiving pallets and redistributing smaller quantities to pantries) was discussed to serve small-capacity sites.

Implemented previously in Staten Island and other boroughs; hosting requires substantial resources for storage, scheduling, and distribution.

City Harvest remains open to exploring with adequate host support and coordinated planning.

Dr Ginny Mantello –

Awareness raised about the PS18 food pantry in West Brighton serving residents and parents from West Brighton NYCHA; questions on continued resources and partnership.

Schools identified as candidates for resource models similar to PS13 include PS18, PS57, and IS49; PS57’s significant food needs emphasized, with ongoing Saturday evening programming noted.

Proposal to host a meeting of all school pantry leads to share resources, align needs, and enable peer problem-solving; interest in building a centralized list of pantries willing to participate.

Planning a convening for school pantry coordination:

Joint meeting idea received strong support.

Timing tentatively suggested for early 2026; Superintendent Paulton identified as a key stakeholder to engage, given knowledge of school-level needs.

Health for Youth is holding a youth forum in a couple of weeks, with Superintendent Paulton expected as keynote, seen as an opportunity to advance this conversation.

Student-led blood pressure screening and healthy lifestyle education at pantries:

Initiative aims to create an “army of young people” to conduct blood pressure screening and prevention education at pantries, in partnership with the health department, American Heart Association, Dr. Ravenel (NYU) via the CLIP barbershop project, and an Atria Foundation grant.

Training status:

40 clinical Wagner PA students (juniors) trained in Hypertension 101 and blood pressure self-management; 9 rotate every Friday to pantries for screenings.

CSI nursing students and Columbia public health students (with Professor Heather Butts) will be trained on 2025-10-16.

Current deployments:

Three students stationed with CHASI; working with George at a brick-and-mortar site (not mobile).

One group at Project Hospitality; currently tabling on Port Richmond in front of the brick-and-mortar Project Hospitality enrollment center; available to accompany any Friday-open pantry.

One group assigned to the JCC serving senior centers (not the pantry).

Scheduling and site coordination:

City Harvest mobile market operates on Tuesdays at the Stapleton site; Tuesday student coverage would need to be arranged.

Pantries open on Fridays are encouraged to reach out; other days may be possible once additional students are trained.

Program scope and goals:

Beyond BP measurements, students provide education on hypertension prevention and healthy lifestyle resources, covering eight essential lifestyle elements where nutrition is a major component.

Sites can request on-site staff training; Central Family Life Center serves as an example where many were trained to provide screenings and resources.

Aim is to embed healthy lifestyle education into routine pantry operations.

Meeting Adjourned

Staten Island Hunger Task Force Meeting Minutes September 8th 2025

Attendance: Heather Butts Donna Scimeca, Dawn Bridgeford, Hank Tuell, Antionette Donegan, Gary Chin, Carol Coissito, Rev. Faith Togba, Terry Troia, Tommy Bond, Lynell Bruno, Steven Kaufman, Danielle Parks, Delila Nadal, Rosanna Robbins, Susan Fowler, Aleyah Llovet, Lisa Vega, Dr. Ginny Mantello, George Barreto, Guillermo

Heather Butts –

Kicked off the meeting and took the motion to approve the minutes; approved without abstention or objection.

We are making stellar progress towards our 501(c)3

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors grant from Citizens NYC – $3500

This grant is focused on food security issues throughout NYC, and we are pleased to be one of the recipients of this inaugural grant!

Revenue split: Task Force receives 25%, Love Wins NYC 75%, except 100% of donations from Staten Island donors go to Task Force.

Fundraising ends at the end of September; active promotion ongoing.

Question about bank account: funds will be held by the Citizens Committee until 501(c)(3) status is obtained; fiscal sponsorship is a backup option.

Pet Pantry Legislation (Intro 1172) Status

Heather gave testimony before the City Council supporting a Staten Island pantry location.

Broad Council support: 35 members, including most Republicans, co-sponsored.

The bill was approved in June; funding not yet assigned.

Current hang-up is appropriation of funds; engagement with experts and potential speaker planned.

Donna Scimeca –

•  Hunger Free Campus Act Forum (Oct 31)
• Venue reserved: Green Dolphin Lounge on campus; AV support available.
• The event aims to promote awareness among students; planned as a credit-eligible event.
• Need short publicity materials for the college website.
• Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (bill sponsor) invited; follow-up with her staff planned.
• Outreach to Wagner College and other colleges ongoing; Halloween-themed treats considered.

Heather Butts –

• Fairy Hawks Hunger Days Update
• The event allows free stadium entry with canned item donations.
• Four events were held; final event in September on the last Tuesday game (date cited as September 16).
• Project Hospitality to receive donations; Staten Island Hunger Task Force to be “Harbor Heroes of the game.”
• Board and members encouraged to attend; tickets available; canned goods can serve as entry.
• H.E.A.L.T.H For Youths Pantry and Food Locker Launch
• H.E.A.L.T.H For Youths opened new spaces at 120 Victory Boulevard and 130 Victory Boulevard (former On Your Mark).
• Food locker adjacent to 120 Victory Boulevard; aligned with 1115 waiver and Social Care Network for assigned lockers.
• Pantries scheduled at 120 Victory Boulevard for two Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: September 12 and September 19.

Terry Troia –

• Food For All Campaign Update and Federal Policy Impacts on SNAP and Emergency Food
• Remarks delivered on behalf of Cheryl Huber (United Way), who is transitioning roles and leaving at the end of December.
• Major federal changes from a bill signed July 4, 2025:
• SNAP work requirements expanded; time-limited benefits; age threshold raised to 64; caregivers exempt only if children are under 15.
• States to pay 1–15% of all SNAP benefit costs starting 10-1-2027; 75% of administrative costs (up from 50%).
• SNAP eligibility eliminated for legal refugees, asylees, and trafficking survivors.
• Utility assistance no longer boosts SNAP; the internet is no longer treated as a utility.

Anticipated impacts:

• New York City to pay $111 million additional annually for SNAP administration.
• SNAP-Ed eliminated; $29 million loss in New York State; affects nutrition education and workshops (e.g., Cornell programs).
• EFSP (FEMA) funds paused since Feb 2025; ~$1.25 million for NYC paused; $3.9 million via United Way to pantries and shelters paused.
• LFPA/NIF-NIF (New York Food for New York Families) funds eliminated.
• HPNAP, Nourish NY, Community Food Connection ($75 million total) may be affected due to reallocation needs.
• Culture of fear (immigration raids) may reduce pantry and school meal access.
• Food costs remain elevated since 2020 despite slower inflation; supply chain weaknesses, tariffs, and global conflicts add pressure.

Rosanna Robbins – City Harvest

• City Harvest operates first Tuesday and third Saturday markets, 9:30–11:30 a.m.; consistent schedule except holidays.
• Typical attendance 250–300 families per market (to be confirmed); broader collaboration notes attendance up to ~450.
• Flyer will be shared; hotline available for advance info on produce.

Eligibility and access:

• Currently no ID required; all are served during operating hours.
• Concerns raised about non-Stapleton and out-of-borough attendees, car pickups, and prioritization of local residents.
• City Harvest discourages cross-borough travel and multiple passes; monitors for loading into vans.
• Plans to reintroduce registration with key tags and swipe-in this year (date TBD) to better manage attendance and communication (including potential text messages).
• Prior reservation system tested previously but increased confusion; discontinued.
• Registration/key tags expected to streamline lines.
• COVID-era allowance for organizational pickups has ended.
• City Harvest prefers delivering directly to agency partners; expanding Staten Island partnerships.
• No mobile market in West Brighton; may have agency partners nearby.
• Interest in hosting blood pressure screening teams; City Harvest can provide tables, chairs, tents; requests signage.
• Noted large Asian population; recommendation to provide materials in Mandarin.
• Past collaboration included “prescription for good health” for fresh produce access.

Chris Dowling – SIPPS SCN

• SCN has been running for nine months since the beginning of the year.
• Approximately 20,000 people screened to date; goal to screen an additional 50,000 by year-end.
• Over 100 engaged organizations: 23 health practices, 40+ CBOs, 4 higher education partners.
• Funding context: Medicaid 1115 waiver under the New York Health Equity Reform Act (~$6 billion).
• 77 contracted organizations (as of 8/22 data); leading per capita in state metrics.
• 5,000 referrals to level one services; 5,000 individuals signed up for benefits.
• Benefits include prepared meal delivery (21 meals/week), pantry boxes, and potential home items (microwave, refrigerator, kitchen supplies, asthma kits).
• Refrigerated lockers installed at 120 Victory and 1100 Castleton Avenue (A Chance in Life) for secure pickups.
• New pantry “supermarket” model being spearheaded by Heather/Health for Youth at a new location.
• Request for partners to complete a short form to host PAs for community screenings and health talks.

Dr. Ginny Mantello –

• Collaboration with American Heart Association, NYU’s Dr. Joe Ravenel, and Health Equity Research Network for hypertension prevention.
• Emphasis on updated hypertension criteria (ACC/AHA 2017) highlighting underrecognized hypertensive populations.
• Focus on early detection and lifestyle interventions (Life’s Essential 8) including A1C, cholesterol, BMI awareness.
• Training of PA, nursing, public health, and clinical students on Hypertension 101 and self-management.
• Program launched; every Friday until next May, 10 students with Dr. Ginny and 10 with SCN teams will conduct screenings at pantries/senior centers.
• Initial sites include Community Health Action of Staten Island, Project Hospitality, and JCC senior centers.
• Goal to integrate screenings into pantry workflows and establish referral protocols to clinics (FQHCs, Richmond University Clinic, SIUH Clinic).

Meeting Adjourned

 

Banner Image: Homeless person.  Image Credit – John Moeses Bauan