A NYC program for chronically homeless mentally ill and impoverished individuals

Hunger NYC

Hunger is a major problem throughout the United States. The problem of hunger is considerably troubling in cities with large populations such as New York. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on the New York City Coalition against Hunger and their efforts to assists those who are dealing with the issue of hunger. The research will explore the various programs and initiative established by the aforementioned organization.

Current Statistics

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report on hunger in 2008 there were 49.1 million people living in food insecure households.

This number was an increase aof nearly 13 million from 2007 when the amount was 36.2 million.

Of the 49.1 million 32.4 million are adults (about 14. Of all adults) and 16.7 million are children (23% of all children). Furthermore, the report explains that "17.3 million people lived in households that were considered to have "very low food security," a USDA term (previously denominated "food insecure with hunger") that means one or more people in the household were hungry over the course of the year because of the inability to afford enough food. This was up from 11.9 million in 2007 and 8.5 million in 2000."

In addition the USDA reports that the recession has only compounded an already dire situation as the problem of hunger more than doubled between 200 and 2008. Minority groups have been adversely affected by this issue with 26% of Black households and 27% of Hispanic households experiencing food insecurity.

To combat the problem of hunger in New York City the New York City Coalition Against Hunger was developed in 1983 as a reaction to the growing problem of hunger in the city. Representatives from all five boroughs convened to investigate what could be done to assist the hungry. Prior to the development of this coalition each of the boroughs were handling the proble of hunger through various small church and non-profit organizations but these organizations could no longer efficiently handle the growing numbers of individuals seeking assistance and so the coalition was born. The mission of the coalition is to "coordinate the activities of the emergency food providers in the city so that issues can be identified, prioritized and addressed effectively."

In addition to this original mission the organization has also grown to include engaging in advocacy and legislative efforts to combat hunger.

In an effort to combat hunger in the city the Coalition has created nine unique programs to effectively serve the people of the city. These programs include the following

1. Emergency Food Action Center- the purpose of this program Is to provide assistance to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the city. It is one of the first programs of its kind in the United States that is designed to specifically assist these organizations with expanding their services so that they can be completely independent. In addition the assistance given to these organizations is unique and designed to meet the needs of specific emergency food programs.

2. Interfaith Voices Against Hunger- designed with the purpose of encouraging religious organizations to assist in addressing the plight of the hungry. Those religious organizations interested in assisting can contact the coalition and become a part of the efforts to eliminate hunger in the city.

3. Farm Fresh Initiative- this programs was created to address the needs of low income families as it pertains to have access to fresh foods. This particular program links families with local farms that sell produce to individuals at a discounted rate. This particular programs was created not only to address to issue of hunger but also of health and nutrition.

4. Technology Project-this program encourages the uses of computer hardware and software to assist clients. The technology project supports organizations by instructing them on how to use technology to have benefits outreaches, track clients, network to find jobs for clients and to improve nutrition. All of these things allow the organizations to assist people in a manner that is more effective.

5. Volunteer Matching Center- Designed to match volunteers to organization that need assistance. This ensures that volunteers will be organized and able to assist clients effectively.

6/7. Americorps State and VISTA service programs- These programs are designed to allow those with much experience (VISTA) as well as those with little experience (State) to work directly with the coalition in multiple capacities. This includes everything from preparing food to writing grants.

8. Benefits Access

- This program ensures that people who need certain benefits receive them. The program is designed to assist "pantries and kitchens enable their clients to obtain benefits through programs that support employment, boost the City's economy, and improve food and economic security. These include Food Stamps (now also known as SNAP -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program); Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits; School Meals; Summer Meals; and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)."