Policy Platform

Access to healthy, affordable food is a human right regardless of location, income, age, race or gender and therefore should be one of the most important goals of NYC public policy.

Development and Land Use

Healthy communities require a variety of purchasing options, including: farmers’ markets, CSAs, community gardens, urban agriculture, food co-ops and supermarkets. These entities must work together with city and state officials to ensure a balanced range of food sources.

The policy of the City of New York should encourage the preservation and development of supermarkets in low-income communities. Public/private money is needed to ensure that existing and new responsible food retailers can build profitably in low-income communities and still provide food at reasonable prices and are responsive to community needs.

Labor

Responsible food retailers produce entry-level and skilled jobs, pay a living wage, provide health benefits, pensions, and the type of financial job security necessary for a community to be economically viable. Workers employed by markets that do not meet their economic responsibilities should be afforded the opportunity to organize and improve their working conditions.

Supplimental Nutrition Programs

The Federal Food Stamp Program could provide a needed economic stimulus to New York City, if it is made accessible to all eligible participants. A unified legislative effort by advocates will maximize our ability to reform the food stamp program to meet the economic, health, and food access needs of everyday New Yorkers.