NEW YORK CITY — Food insecurity existed in New York City before the pandemic. Now, during it, the needs of hungry New Yorkers are only amplified.
Kathryn Garcia is the city’s Department of Sanitation commissioner, but in late March she was appointed as the city’s “food czar” as well, by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
She said the needs across the city, in every borough, were and are significant, but perhaps most strongly felt in the Bronx.
Despite some criticism that the Bronx was not receiving the same resources as others, Garcia said it is a sentiment that is simply not true.
“When people said you missed this pocket and this group here is not being served, we’ve expanded locations. If you go to get food and you need it we are coming to you,” Garcia said.
Garcia also addressed concerns reported on by PIX11 regarding sub-par food quality — in some cases not culturally appropriate and in other cases community groups said food was just not edible or respectful for hungry New Yorkers.
“We need to hold all the people who are providing the food accountable for what it is. If something is not working, we need to know about it because I want to fix it,” said Garcia.
She added some contractors were let go as a result of bad or inadequate food going out to the public. And as for some smaller local restaurants asking to be included and paid to help in emergency food distribution, Garcia said she would like to see that happen, though they must be able to supply 1000 meals a day. She said those businesses can apply here.
Overall, Garcia said what the city and her emergency food distribution efforts are doing is getting the city through an unprecedented time, and getting every New Yorker fed will continue to be her top priority.
If you would like to receive a meal from the city, you can visit this website.
If you have complaints or issues with your delivery or quality of your food, call 311 and report the problem as soon as possible.
